tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83891139665147569542017-02-08T20:52:43.596-08:00First Grade Follies...Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-35249228635089178382014-03-21T02:53:00.000-07:002014-03-21T02:53:33.709-07:00More road trip sights...Since some of you who read this blog don't have access to Facebook, where I post most of my pictures, here are a few more from the road trip. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCBBhoFi4_s/UywCi61pstI/AAAAAAAAKao/jrGAVguExNY/s1600/20131219_154611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCBBhoFi4_s/UywCi61pstI/AAAAAAAAKao/jrGAVguExNY/s1600/20131219_154611.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What?? lol</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjrDtHQ-SQE/UywCmbnLydI/AAAAAAAAKaw/zXzLKEvwz3U/s1600/20131220_100921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjrDtHQ-SQE/UywCmbnLydI/AAAAAAAAKaw/zXzLKEvwz3U/s1600/20131220_100921.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fishing boats outside of a fishing village...so beautiful...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMDHwMxf5dY/UywCgfiWLFI/AAAAAAAAKag/oAwm8X_4bkc/s1600/20131221_194613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMDHwMxf5dY/UywCgfiWLFI/AAAAAAAAKag/oAwm8X_4bkc/s1600/20131221_194613.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hrm...what was your first clue?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2IlOLteQuc/UywCsghq5rI/AAAAAAAAKa4/CmRXeQlrkZo/s1600/20131221_200731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2IlOLteQuc/UywCsghq5rI/AAAAAAAAKa4/CmRXeQlrkZo/s1600/20131221_200731.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cheap dinner...excellent food</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ0OoUP8I14/UywCyTSW-UI/AAAAAAAAKbA/fHH2g3JI3GA/s1600/20131221_205400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ0OoUP8I14/UywCyTSW-UI/AAAAAAAAKbA/fHH2g3JI3GA/s1600/20131221_205400.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Omani perfume and my two beautiful scarves.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhhwKtPYx2M/UywC11aqohI/AAAAAAAAKbI/099cHpnRqok/s1600/20131222_114756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhhwKtPYx2M/UywC11aqohI/AAAAAAAAKbI/099cHpnRqok/s1600/20131222_114756.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">swinging in the park...appeasing my inner-child...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIsBbozQZKQ/UywC_vm813I/AAAAAAAAKbQ/Wmk0DOQLid8/s1600/20131222_120834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIsBbozQZKQ/UywC_vm813I/AAAAAAAAKbQ/Wmk0DOQLid8/s1600/20131222_120834.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gorgeous coastline</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_RJ7b-K20A/UywDD168jhI/AAAAAAAAKbg/a6jgszGK36g/s1600/20131222_123538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_RJ7b-K20A/UywDD168jhI/AAAAAAAAKbg/a6jgszGK36g/s1600/20131222_123538.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cat of the corniche...enjoying the fishermen's left overs</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4gpfyt_CEs/UywDC5umvOI/AAAAAAAAKbY/V1nt74mCp64/s1600/20131222_162135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4gpfyt_CEs/UywDC5umvOI/AAAAAAAAKbY/V1nt74mCp64/s1600/20131222_162135.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gorgeous jasmine flowers</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXcLDsXyeFY/UywDHZs3WaI/AAAAAAAAKbo/sQWZtuYWGOI/s1600/20131222_163629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXcLDsXyeFY/UywDHZs3WaI/AAAAAAAAKbo/sQWZtuYWGOI/s1600/20131222_163629.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">entrance to the Royal Opera House</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbp9OmU-dAI/UywDH9YvTuI/AAAAAAAAKbs/bb_KgF-k97I/s1600/20131222_163721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbp9OmU-dAI/UywDH9YvTuI/AAAAAAAAKbs/bb_KgF-k97I/s1600/20131222_163721.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpTVhM7rc00/UywDROlZYMI/AAAAAAAAKcA/hMmlpei4_ws/s1600/20131223_104717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpTVhM7rc00/UywDROlZYMI/AAAAAAAAKcA/hMmlpei4_ws/s1600/20131223_104717.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">flower garden outside the Grande Mosque in Muscat, Oman</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q-pPeI3OXI/UywDOLJKajI/AAAAAAAAKb4/GIqUAW8zDvQ/s1600/20131223_110341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q-pPeI3OXI/UywDOLJKajI/AAAAAAAAKb4/GIqUAW8zDvQ/s1600/20131223_110341.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grande Mosque in Muscat, Oman</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hID-Pq50oI/UywDUAYfg5I/AAAAAAAAKcI/y_Y7Zj43vlA/s1600/20131223_163816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hID-Pq50oI/UywDUAYfg5I/AAAAAAAAKcI/y_Y7Zj43vlA/s1600/20131223_163816.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxpRdIyALOo/UywDZJhz6gI/AAAAAAAAKcU/j_Uu4M-fUjQ/s1600/20131223_163842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxpRdIyALOo/UywDZJhz6gI/AAAAAAAAKcU/j_Uu4M-fUjQ/s1600/20131223_163842.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">coastline and more fishing villages...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goPkDorbmzU/UywDXZNGuUI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/yaqtAVJm1vI/s1600/20131223_164050-MIX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goPkDorbmzU/UywDXZNGuUI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/yaqtAVJm1vI/s1600/20131223_164050-MIX.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">selfies...why not?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrIF99WNacI/UywDjyixQsI/AAAAAAAAKcg/0CAEW9BXuZo/s1600/20131223_170039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrIF99WNacI/UywDjyixQsI/AAAAAAAAKcg/0CAEW9BXuZo/s1600/20131223_170039.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1iewnKTRxw/UywDlpQZ8KI/AAAAAAAAKco/mozEyCfy6Ag/s1600/20131223_192107-MOTION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1iewnKTRxw/UywDlpQZ8KI/AAAAAAAAKco/mozEyCfy6Ag/s1600/20131223_192107-MOTION.gif" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yep - that's a wild camel along the roadside...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uJs06ysXVI/UywDr4QCRWI/AAAAAAAAKc8/J8O1ia1icFk/s1600/20131224_092209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uJs06ysXVI/UywDr4QCRWI/AAAAAAAAKc8/J8O1ia1icFk/s1600/20131224_092209.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">our crappy hotel for the night in Nizwa, Oman...wow...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK1jzB9XB48/UywDq6iDSVI/AAAAAAAAKc4/kHfyFN6Je84/s1600/20131224_114552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK1jzB9XB48/UywDq6iDSVI/AAAAAAAAKc4/kHfyFN6Je84/s1600/20131224_114552.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5zWEed1qYc/UywDxQ7wbbI/AAAAAAAAKdI/w5XyoDpF-h8/s1600/20131224_120633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5zWEed1qYc/UywDxQ7wbbI/AAAAAAAAKdI/w5XyoDpF-h8/s1600/20131224_120633.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lemon mint and rose petal smoothies....simply divine!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKxb0yNnp1g/UywD_5_CCTI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/1qYdf3vw2dg/s1600/20131224_144419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKxb0yNnp1g/UywD_5_CCTI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/1qYdf3vw2dg/s1600/20131224_144419.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another wild camel :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xk7jB3KkYEU/UywELcMnW9I/AAAAAAAAKdY/wFvjNhpoiy8/s1600/DSCN0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xk7jB3KkYEU/UywELcMnW9I/AAAAAAAAKdY/wFvjNhpoiy8/s1600/DSCN0433.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flamingos!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aN6erTL3XeY/UywEQzRdQfI/AAAAAAAAKdg/b_9gtvuTwCI/s1600/DSCN0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aN6erTL3XeY/UywEQzRdQfI/AAAAAAAAKdg/b_9gtvuTwCI/s1600/DSCN0447.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">coastline near the Straits of Hormuz</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjH_AnlNhws/UywEizaEC1I/AAAAAAAAKdo/2eCrHOHnlTs/s1600/DSCN0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjH_AnlNhws/UywEizaEC1I/AAAAAAAAKdo/2eCrHOHnlTs/s1600/DSCN0450.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">amazingly jagged mountains...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeBGEUx58dI/UywEpxVfM2I/AAAAAAAAKdw/I75GIke3Y0U/s1600/DSCN0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeBGEUx58dI/UywEpxVfM2I/AAAAAAAAKdw/I75GIke3Y0U/s1600/DSCN0453.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YflxfHVJazw/UywEukfLGsI/AAAAAAAAKd4/DOqs1yGTLQk/s1600/DSCN0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YflxfHVJazw/UywEukfLGsI/AAAAAAAAKd4/DOqs1yGTLQk/s1600/DSCN0455.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a dhow out for repairs...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjUCenfhqec/UywFBAxw70I/AAAAAAAAKeA/hBfPZ02QpVs/s1600/DSCN0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjUCenfhqec/UywFBAxw70I/AAAAAAAAKeA/hBfPZ02QpVs/s1600/DSCN0459.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">more fishing boats...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEpuRoJu8FM/UywFLLfCn6I/AAAAAAAAKeI/nyvR3km--8g/s1600/DSCN0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEpuRoJu8FM/UywFLLfCn6I/AAAAAAAAKeI/nyvR3km--8g/s1600/DSCN0468.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1xGk8TKqHQ/UywFPI2mCjI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/lAMxbARoVQs/s1600/DSCN0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1xGk8TKqHQ/UywFPI2mCjI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/lAMxbARoVQs/s1600/DSCN0469.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEu2dYt4wa4/UywFhtkTSWI/AAAAAAAAKeY/gIlx22dq4BQ/s1600/DSCN0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEu2dYt4wa4/UywFhtkTSWI/AAAAAAAAKeY/gIlx22dq4BQ/s1600/DSCN0489.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dhows in Muscat</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRWJ8FyunOQ/UywFmiP7IOI/AAAAAAAAKeg/jpadcv6OM2M/s1600/DSCN0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRWJ8FyunOQ/UywFmiP7IOI/AAAAAAAAKeg/jpadcv6OM2M/s1600/DSCN0496.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sorry this is sideways...but it's coffee in Muscat</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYQ7bhG5OsE/UywFpzhnDFI/AAAAAAAAKeo/lpmVFNz1WU0/s1600/DSCN0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYQ7bhG5OsE/UywFpzhnDFI/AAAAAAAAKeo/lpmVFNz1WU0/s1600/DSCN0520.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">at the gates of Muscat</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMoWhn6DdXM/UywFvWEqmzI/AAAAAAAAKew/1GGzr6C0kBE/s1600/DSCN0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMoWhn6DdXM/UywFvWEqmzI/AAAAAAAAKew/1GGzr6C0kBE/s1600/DSCN0522.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stairs to the tower...</div><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-48728821130873927492014-03-20T08:26:00.002-07:002014-03-20T08:27:55.281-07:00When you just have to go...pee, that is...So - on the road trip I experience what every traveler does (or maybe not, maybe it's just me)...the nervous "pee". &nbsp;We were almost at our first border crossing into Oman and my body decided, "Hey, we need to pee because what happens if we get to the border and it takes forever and there are no bathrooms or we get stopped for no reason and aren't allowed to use the bathroom, or, or, or...." &nbsp;Clearly - my mind was awash with a million different reasons why I might not be able to use the restroom at the border crossing. &nbsp;We're in this tiny town with goats and cows just lying in the streets...on the corners...in people's yards...on the steps to businesses; essentially these animals were everywhere. &nbsp;Anyway - I figured that at least one of the businesses would have a bathroom to use, so we pull over, I hop out with my wallet and ID (just in case I need to pay to use the bathroom and for some reason show ID - I know - it kind of made no sense about the ID, but oh well...I had to pee and wasn't thinking too clearly at this point.) &nbsp;So, I jump out and go to the photoshop...nope...no bathroom. &nbsp;I go to the business next door, nope...no bathroom, but the guy at the fruit and vegetable stand says he has a bathroom, all I need to do is follow him. &nbsp;So I do...down the alley, to his house. &nbsp;No joke. &nbsp;Now before you judge me, let's keep a couple of things in mind...#1 &nbsp;I HAVE TO PEE, reallllllly bad at this point. &nbsp;#2 &nbsp;This is the UAE and there really isn't any crime to speak of, because it's punished so severely. &nbsp;#3 &nbsp;I was still in view of the car. &nbsp;#4 &nbsp;I HAD TO PEE!<br /><br />I followed this man who actually took me to his home, where his wife and son greeted me and allowed me to use their one and only bathroom...which was through their bedroom in the back of the house. &nbsp;Again - keep in mind about how bathrooms are used here (see one of my previous blog posts about no toilet paper and kitchen sprayers), anyway - the man was very generous and kind to open up his home to a complete stranger, a foreigner no less, and let her use the bathroom so she wouldn't pee her pants. &nbsp;His wife was incredibly kind as well, although he may have gotten a tongue lashing after I left, I don't know. &nbsp;While I don't have pictures of him, his wife, house or bathroom, I do have a few of the town and the animals hanging out on the street corners. <br /><br />OH - and it turned out this little adventure was for naught...there WERE bathrooms at the border crossing and we weren't held for any reason...and I DID get to go pee there too...because by the time I got there, my nervous bladder was already ready for round two. &nbsp;Note to self - no more drinking water prior to a border crossing. ;) &nbsp;Or just relax...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lEJLwKO8Ac/UysHJYxZQ4I/AAAAAAAAKYs/MUiWakFrjOs/s1600/20131220_090743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lEJLwKO8Ac/UysHJYxZQ4I/AAAAAAAAKYs/MUiWakFrjOs/s1600/20131220_090743.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">goat...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e07MAVKPSdA/UysHJtHsxbI/AAAAAAAAKYw/y3bHm7xqH6U/s1600/20131220_113941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e07MAVKPSdA/UysHJtHsxbI/AAAAAAAAKYw/y3bHm7xqH6U/s1600/20131220_113941.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another one...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xenXF8w2xO0/UysHJRNqtxI/AAAAAAAAKY0/p07w9nIkKVg/s1600/20131220_114305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xenXF8w2xO0/UysHJRNqtxI/AAAAAAAAKY0/p07w9nIkKVg/s1600/20131220_114305.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">several of them...and a cat...and a cow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqENMJ8db-E/UysHWPp3Y1I/AAAAAAAAKZI/Z8bJRbLU9CA/s1600/20131220_131535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqENMJ8db-E/UysHWPp3Y1I/AAAAAAAAKZI/Z8bJRbLU9CA/s1600/20131220_131535.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would hate to explain THIS to the insurance company..."Um...I hit a cow, in town, on the street corner...yes, a cow." &nbsp;Actually, I think this one is a steer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tjKBwHe9U7I/UysHXJ3DjJI/AAAAAAAAKZM/xEpN93RzQfw/s1600/20131220_131539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tjKBwHe9U7I/UysHXJ3DjJI/AAAAAAAAKZM/xEpN93RzQfw/s1600/20131220_131539.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YN-B3_ytvs/UysHfS5OwEI/AAAAAAAAKZU/WuXrUzmP_lw/s1600/DSCN0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YN-B3_ytvs/UysHfS5OwEI/AAAAAAAAKZU/WuXrUzmP_lw/s1600/DSCN0485.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-60620959468586957582014-03-20T08:02:00.002-07:002014-03-20T08:02:59.671-07:00Border crossing...a quick reference guide<div dir="ltr">Just a few thoughts...</div><div dir="ltr">#1. Bring cash.&nbsp; It costs money to cross the border.&nbsp; I didn't know this, but brought cash anyway.&nbsp; You will have to pay to exit the country you're in AND to enter the one you're going to.&nbsp; </div><div dir="ltr">#2. &nbsp;Be prepared to show any and all available identification, including driver's license, car insurance card, registration, passports, etc.</div><div dir="ltr">#3. &nbsp;Be prepared for someone to make a mistake that might freak you out when you go to exit or enter the country and the guard sends you right back to the building for a new/another form. &nbsp;Pray you get the "golden ticket" (see pic below) that will get you through every part of the border crossing process.</div><div dir="ltr">#4. &nbsp;Smile...no special reason - I just figured it might help.</div><div dir="ltr">#5. &nbsp;If they border guards are chatty - chat back. &nbsp;It's got to be preeeettty boring sitting in a little shack all day looking at passports and visas.<br />#6. &nbsp;Be ready to stop at police checkpoints...for no special reason....and be ready to be a littttttle freaked out when you pass the hummer with machine guns on top and men ready to go at a moment's notice. ;)</div><div dir="ltr">#6. &nbsp;Remember it's an adventure and go with the flow :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuuE2Pdlh-o/UysCpSYaobI/AAAAAAAAKYY/JO7oDRU1ec0/s1600/20131220_131128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuuE2Pdlh-o/UysCpSYaobI/AAAAAAAAKYY/JO7oDRU1ec0/s1600/20131220_131128.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE Golden Ticket</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtL9o0WlF-U/UysCoSnCl3I/AAAAAAAAKYM/urwkyDv1Is4/s1600/20131224_104026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtL9o0WlF-U/UysCoSnCl3I/AAAAAAAAKYM/urwkyDv1Is4/s1600/20131224_104026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veypjG7jWgo/UysCnxCdwAI/AAAAAAAAKYI/xGF_i9gWlVM/s1600/20131224_104040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veypjG7jWgo/UysCnxCdwAI/AAAAAAAAKYI/xGF_i9gWlVM/s1600/20131224_104040.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xIbhzql21w/UysCtjyBx7I/AAAAAAAAKYg/FTEn-0ZjaVc/s1600/20131224_104052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xIbhzql21w/UysCtjyBx7I/AAAAAAAAKYg/FTEn-0ZjaVc/s1600/20131224_104052.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We sat in line for about 30 minutes and then were waved on through without checking us. &nbsp;This was the only time we didn't get checked. &nbsp;Every time it was a bit intimidating, but we weren't worried. &nbsp;All in the name of adventure!!<br /><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><span id="goog_1484670029"></span><span id="goog_1484670030"></span><br /></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-91301525352277332002014-03-17T10:47:00.003-07:002014-03-17T10:47:41.346-07:00Pictures and stories from the UAE/Oman holiday road trip...Road trips...some people love them, some people hate them. &nbsp;I am of the former attitude. &nbsp;I love Love LOVE a good road trip. &nbsp;There is nothing like jumping in the car with a small suitcase/bag, blanket, pillow, various types of shoes, binoculars, cameras, phone charger and miscellaneous snacks and hitting the open road. &nbsp;Now - in America - you have 3.97 million square miles to cover with no border crossings or police checkpoints (unless you live near the border with Mexico), which makes road tripping relatively stress free. &nbsp;The same can be said for going on a road trip here...however there are a few additional steps you need to take into consideration. &nbsp;Here, you don't travel state to state, you travel country to country which has its own set of challenges, such as obtaining the proper/additional car insurance and making sure you have enough cash to pay fees at the border crossing stations. &nbsp;Nonetheless, we set out on the the 2013 road trip to explore northern UAE and some of Oman. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc0-SwPY_eQ/UtDeiwNW_6I/AAAAAAAAJRQ/intmg_eL8uc/s1600/DSCN0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oc0-SwPY_eQ/UtDeiwNW_6I/AAAAAAAAJRQ/intmg_eL8uc/s1600/DSCN0431.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va1LscL7m10/UtDej7KbjRI/AAAAAAAAJRY/OctmKo5ufg0/s1600/DSCN0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va1LscL7m10/UtDej7KbjRI/AAAAAAAAJRY/OctmKo5ufg0/s1600/DSCN0432.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wiUxjLkrrfE/UtDe3sy-kCI/AAAAAAAAJRg/ZZSmVmR9aGY/s1600/DSCN0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wiUxjLkrrfE/UtDe3sy-kCI/AAAAAAAAJRg/ZZSmVmR9aGY/s1600/DSCN0423.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tL1wEAK-WYg/UtDfgkID0nI/AAAAAAAAJRo/5b9UeU2_pDo/s1600/DSCN0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tL1wEAK-WYg/UtDfgkID0nI/AAAAAAAAJRo/5b9UeU2_pDo/s1600/DSCN0426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ry5GkEOt9v0/UtDfh1XmATI/AAAAAAAAJRs/Y_Niy_enYMw/s1600/DSCN0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ry5GkEOt9v0/UtDfh1XmATI/AAAAAAAAJRs/Y_Niy_enYMw/s1600/DSCN0427.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21bCrJbbkdA/UtDfiHHwkHI/AAAAAAAAJRw/GpUgTa1dd3o/s1600/DSCN0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21bCrJbbkdA/UtDfiHHwkHI/AAAAAAAAJRw/GpUgTa1dd3o/s1600/DSCN0428.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are pictures taken in little villages Umm al Quwain and Al Rafaah. &nbsp;The gates and doors in the majority of the little villages and towns we went through were so amazing. &nbsp;Bright, colorful and ornate in either the woodwork or metal smithing. &nbsp;Some of the doors were simply the nicest thing on the entire dwelling. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/bchallman/2005/04/01_Oman_UAE_Map.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ignore the red arrow in the above map...I took it off of another website because it was the best map I could find to illustrate where we went. &nbsp;Anyway. &nbsp;We left Abu Dhabi and headed up the coast of the UAE past Dubai, past Umm al Quwain and up to the tip of Oman near Mussanden. &nbsp;In doing this we managed to drive through all 7 of the Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates; Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Quwain. &nbsp;We saw the Straits of Hormuz - completely stunning and when you think of the historical significance of it - it kind of made you sick. &nbsp;Truly - thinking that fairly thin, peaceful piece of water was the center of such turmoil. &nbsp;Then we were forced to turn around at a police check point because our rental car was just that...a CAR and in order to cross over the mountains like we wanted, we had to have an SUV. &nbsp;The policemen literally laughed at us when we pointed to the road we wanted to go on. &nbsp;The guy doubled over...stood back up and said, "No...no car [wagging his finger]. &nbsp;SUV only [puts his hand up in a 70 degree angle] very steep mountain, no car, no car." &nbsp;So, we turned around and headed back in to Ras al-Khaimah, stayed the night in a hotel and then headed across Oman on an actual paved road to Al Fujairah. &nbsp;From there we continued down the coast of Oman in to Muscat where we stayed for 2 nights/3 days, then down to Sur; cut across o Nizwa, Ibri and back to the UAE/Oman border at Al Ain. &nbsp;It was an amazing road trip and the scenery was out of this world. &nbsp;We saw wild camels, old buildings, spectacular mountains jutting out of the ground, met amazing people - I wish I would have gotten a picture with this little group of kiddos that came running out of their house in one of the villages we visited. &nbsp;They were so cute! &nbsp;Once we finished exploring the ruins in that town, we saw a family member giving one of the kids what I could only imagine was a shower...from the garden hose. &nbsp;It was so adorable :) &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few more pics from the trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBWgFROmjF0/UyczHyyfXfI/AAAAAAAAKVU/_YDGbNG6DQU/s1600/20131222_101812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBWgFROmjF0/UyczHyyfXfI/AAAAAAAAKVU/_YDGbNG6DQU/s1600/20131222_101812.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Muscat, Oman</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3iKtNo3DW8/UyczNM7jyHI/AAAAAAAAKVk/gDk8n-JiuKc/s1600/20131222_110113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3iKtNo3DW8/UyczNM7jyHI/AAAAAAAAKVk/gDk8n-JiuKc/s1600/20131222_110113.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZetHD9nl5A/UyczOf0zvYI/AAAAAAAAKVs/TFryv88jwnU/s1600/20131222_110448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZetHD9nl5A/UyczOf0zvYI/AAAAAAAAKVs/TFryv88jwnU/s1600/20131222_110448.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTkpur0XQg4/UyczHJyzqrI/AAAAAAAAKVM/Ze__j65zsrk/s1600/20131222_103658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTkpur0XQg4/UyczHJyzqrI/AAAAAAAAKVM/Ze__j65zsrk/s1600/20131222_103658.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-AJuzTqaU/Uyc0fe-AXOI/AAAAAAAAKXA/jaaoElmdHgQ/s1600/DSCN0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-AJuzTqaU/Uyc0fe-AXOI/AAAAAAAAKXA/jaaoElmdHgQ/s1600/DSCN0511.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Presidential Palace in Muscat, Oman...and yes, I'm giving up the Oregon "O" in front of the palace gates :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReuasrM_Ook/Uyc0IYz-CbI/AAAAAAAAKWA/rmc8xylsWCY/s1600/20131222_121121-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReuasrM_Ook/Uyc0IYz-CbI/AAAAAAAAKWA/rmc8xylsWCY/s1600/20131222_121121-1.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overlooking Muscat</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTOyVrU85sU/Uyc0MvRQbrI/AAAAAAAAKWM/NCg3nN93zh4/s1600/20131222_162109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTOyVrU85sU/Uyc0MvRQbrI/AAAAAAAAKWM/NCg3nN93zh4/s1600/20131222_162109.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Royal Opera House</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sy8WXqaXs0/Uyc0MklKiSI/AAAAAAAAKWI/Wfz_aTb0aEg/s1600/20131222_162550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sy8WXqaXs0/Uyc0MklKiSI/AAAAAAAAKWI/Wfz_aTb0aEg/s1600/20131222_162550.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvx9bWiXUlo/Uyc0OSSFJ1I/AAAAAAAAKWU/h3VPmDL-vtY/s1600/20131222_200617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvx9bWiXUlo/Uyc0OSSFJ1I/AAAAAAAAKWU/h3VPmDL-vtY/s1600/20131222_200617.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gold jewelry from the gold souq</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoEpbzQXvu8/Uyc0T56tAeI/AAAAAAAAKWk/Ew76j6UFfVY/s1600/20131223_170039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoEpbzQXvu8/Uyc0T56tAeI/AAAAAAAAKWk/Ew76j6UFfVY/s1600/20131223_170039.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gorgeous sunsets...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIrHQpPAWEU/Uyc0UDZ-FOI/AAAAAAAAKWg/X7RwC2ssEgU/s1600/20131223_170225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIrHQpPAWEU/Uyc0UDZ-FOI/AAAAAAAAKWg/X7RwC2ssEgU/s1600/20131223_170225.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4WJwAjwxg6o/Uyc0UUHNPpI/AAAAAAAAKWo/8-kIAeRWJR0/s1600/20131223_170858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4WJwAjwxg6o/Uyc0UUHNPpI/AAAAAAAAKWo/8-kIAeRWJR0/s1600/20131223_170858.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JuB03zE6CE/Uyc0eWsLYqI/AAAAAAAAKW4/zn6gafcJ8J0/s1600/DSCN0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JuB03zE6CE/Uyc0eWsLYqI/AAAAAAAAKW4/zn6gafcJ8J0/s1600/DSCN0468.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c0W4opFOkqU/UyczMgw3OpI/AAAAAAAAKVg/slRV6bwcJ9U/s1600/20131222_105542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c0W4opFOkqU/UyczMgw3OpI/AAAAAAAAKVg/slRV6bwcJ9U/s1600/20131222_105542.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Muscat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-2535951339619177072013-12-14T02:46:00.000-08:002013-12-14T02:46:06.338-08:00it's like the 4th of July on steroids...I'm talking about National Day here in the UAE. &nbsp;For those of you who don't know, the UAE is only a sprightly 42 years old. &nbsp;Yes...it was formed in 1971 and is essentially a baby of a country. &nbsp;I've never seen a country more excited about it's birthday than the UAE. &nbsp;This is a country that knows how to party...soberly. &nbsp;(it's a dry country - remember?) &nbsp; Despite this, the UAE pulls out all the stops to celebrate. &nbsp;I had students bringing in decorations for the classroom for weeks beforehand. &nbsp;My classroom looked like a party store when it was all said and done and I didn't even get a chance to put up all the decorations they brought! &nbsp;Our school organized National Day activities and then on the day we were supposed to have it, Dubai won the bid for the 2021 world expo and he Sheikh cancelled school for THE ENTIRE COUNTRY in celebration. &nbsp;Yes - I said FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. &nbsp;I'm sorry - THAT would never happen in the US. &nbsp;So - our National Day activities were postponed until the following Tuesday, because we already had Sunday and Monday OFF from school for National Day celebrations beforehand...so when the sheikh gave us off Thursday as well? &nbsp;Hello 5 day weekend! &nbsp;I did feel sorry for the horses and camels at our school and for the security guy locked in the artifacts room in our elementary building guarding millions of AED worth of national treasures. &nbsp;(My school has some pull with the palace...we'll just leave it at that, mmmmmk? ;) &nbsp;The day we returned to school was only a 1/2 day for the students and they could arrive in traditional outfits (no school uniforms) and we participated in different activities throughout the day, such as listening to the drummers and bands, looking at falcons, the camels and horses, getting henna done, playing in bouncy houses, watching the arrival of the sheikh (red carpet included), eating traditional food, playing games and etc. &nbsp;I even had a student whose family bought me a traditional dress called a jalabiya and a gorgeous shayla (scarf). &nbsp;I was so touched and honored by their generosity. &nbsp;What a wonderful surprise!<br /><br />As for the celebrations...they lasted for days. &nbsp;The daytime celebrations went on for a couple of weeks...the night time celebrations were two straight nights of craziness. &nbsp;(PS some of the decorations are still up and National Day was December 2nd.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbfTLzfG6gg/UqwvYy9TKnI/AAAAAAAAHY4/uNgkB34lydI/s1600/20131127_130019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbfTLzfG6gg/UqwvYy9TKnI/AAAAAAAAHY4/uNgkB34lydI/s320/20131127_130019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">looking down the artifacts room...that's real sand and native animals (don't worry - the animals weren't alive)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1IXEC7iWkc/Uqwvantr01I/AAAAAAAAHY8/sByGNS8h1Lw/s1600/20131127_130201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1IXEC7iWkc/Uqwvantr01I/AAAAAAAAHY8/sByGNS8h1Lw/s320/20131127_130201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">female and male traditional attire</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLpbL0jmI1w/UqwvfbcOnAI/AAAAAAAAHZI/B3BZUg5zK-U/s1600/20131127_130210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLpbL0jmI1w/UqwvfbcOnAI/AAAAAAAAHZI/B3BZUg5zK-U/s320/20131127_130210.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one of halls in the elementary building decorated with traditional decorations and student National Day projects</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zq7B1KGhubw/UqwvjHyeEeI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/PhWiAAoGpRE/s1600/20131127_180217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zq7B1KGhubw/UqwvjHyeEeI/AAAAAAAAHZQ/PhWiAAoGpRE/s320/20131127_180217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">decorations lining the streets</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5WNZKLKHZA/UqwvmStXTII/AAAAAAAAHZY/ScbxsQDPpoI/s1600/20131127_180351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5WNZKLKHZA/UqwvmStXTII/AAAAAAAAHZY/ScbxsQDPpoI/s320/20131127_180351.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">more decorations</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3eDyXzlQgQ/UqwvsJiY8AI/AAAAAAAAHZk/PiF9xYpaA8g/s1600/20131127_180407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f3eDyXzlQgQ/UqwvsJiY8AI/AAAAAAAAHZk/PiF9xYpaA8g/s320/20131127_180407.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and still more</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbTozvbSSZM/UqwvrlEz5wI/AAAAAAAAHZg/4A0VO8BjDDc/s1600/20131201_210142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbTozvbSSZM/UqwvrlEz5wI/AAAAAAAAHZg/4A0VO8BjDDc/s320/20131201_210142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fireworks from the corniche, night #1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt0Gx6AmBxw/Uqwv2KxNwHI/AAAAAAAAHZw/TIIUYL_TsFc/s1600/20131201_211729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt0Gx6AmBxw/Uqwv2KxNwHI/AAAAAAAAHZw/TIIUYL_TsFc/s320/20131201_211729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">National Day cruising the corniche</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-9CxTxzVwA/Uqwv7cTd4PI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/JfZtsIuC4-E/s1600/20131201_212018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-9CxTxzVwA/Uqwv7cTd4PI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/JfZtsIuC4-E/s320/20131201_212018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">silly string and foam anyone?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRgWd7m6-kQ/Uqwv7aI745I/AAAAAAAAHZ8/2UHQpM2n1UU/s1600/20131201_212234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRgWd7m6-kQ/Uqwv7aI745I/AAAAAAAAHZ8/2UHQpM2n1UU/s320/20131201_212234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">here come the "string bandits"...lol</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4L68Z4ypyE/UqwwAPc8QzI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/YRCYP5Y9qWs/s1600/20131201_212418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4L68Z4ypyE/UqwwAPc8QzI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/YRCYP5Y9qWs/s320/20131201_212418.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yea - Rachel got ambushed...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cul0XnEE9vo/Uqwv9NWdCoI/AAAAAAAAHaI/RRGBn0vBC5w/s1600/20131201_213044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cul0XnEE9vo/Uqwv9NWdCoI/AAAAAAAAHaI/RRGBn0vBC5w/s320/20131201_213044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so did I</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boO881nJzog/UqwwFHz7o2I/AAAAAAAAHaY/Oi5j7RXSExI/s1600/20131201_214101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boO881nJzog/UqwwFHz7o2I/AAAAAAAAHaY/Oi5j7RXSExI/s320/20131201_214101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">traffic jam</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WefeIS9R2FM/UqwwLetc9NI/AAAAAAAAHag/79J2RXVKPM8/s1600/20131201_214801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WefeIS9R2FM/UqwwLetc9NI/AAAAAAAAHag/79J2RXVKPM8/s320/20131201_214801.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this was a video display on the side of a building</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TN7MIgFgck/UqwwOjGBfKI/AAAAAAAAHaw/4jAOBJwJkKI/s1600/20131202_162948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TN7MIgFgck/UqwwOjGBfKI/AAAAAAAAHaw/4jAOBJwJkKI/s320/20131202_162948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the UAE aerobatic jets</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrRqh6ghFts/UqwyEntQj4I/AAAAAAAAHcM/tEn5j3Iig2M/s1600/20131201_202906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrRqh6ghFts/UqwyEntQj4I/AAAAAAAAHcM/tEn5j3Iig2M/s320/20131201_202906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes...cars were shrink-wrapped in National Day decor</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neAOt-vqQ68/Uqwx9UMCRrI/AAAAAAAAHb8/Co2jCQgpyzE/s1600/20131201_203753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neAOt-vqQ68/Uqwx9UMCRrI/AAAAAAAAHb8/Co2jCQgpyzE/s320/20131201_203753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the policeman took our silly string...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pb7jHBmVE2I/Uqwx-_Uw_sI/AAAAAAAAHcA/M53s3FrGR-4/s1600/20131201_203937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pb7jHBmVE2I/Uqwx-_Uw_sI/AAAAAAAAHcA/M53s3FrGR-4/s320/20131201_203937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so we reloaded...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNFk_iq0jow/UqwwTb7QDEI/AAAAAAAAHa4/Mu7L340ffkQ/s1600/20131202_210218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNFk_iq0jow/UqwwTb7QDEI/AAAAAAAAHa4/Mu7L340ffkQ/s320/20131202_210218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">night #2 of fireworks...these I could see from my bedroom window</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GXmNMmML4s/UqwwgOeCVeI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/t76z9Dz0dXM/s1600/20131203_102557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GXmNMmML4s/UqwwgOeCVeI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/t76z9Dz0dXM/s320/20131203_102557.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a room at our school which was turned into the "artifact" room...millions of AED of artifacts</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzpEcoKzPUI/UqwwkbuZ1PI/AAAAAAAAHbY/3ee71EidAP0/s1600/20131203_102720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzpEcoKzPUI/UqwwkbuZ1PI/AAAAAAAAHbY/3ee71EidAP0/s320/20131203_102720.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">oud, knives, swords, gold, paintings, animals...etc...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgshwWmbmDI/Uqwws264GLI/AAAAAAAAHbg/lRAyGuFQQ2Q/s1600/20131204_125235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgshwWmbmDI/Uqwws264GLI/AAAAAAAAHbg/lRAyGuFQQ2Q/s320/20131204_125235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">momma and baby camel that were brought in to our school...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR0bQfvX97o/UqwwyzXA_rI/AAAAAAAAHbo/G-DQJFpICjk/s1600/20131204_125437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR0bQfvX97o/UqwwyzXA_rI/AAAAAAAAHbo/G-DQJFpICjk/s320/20131204_125437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Truly - isn't he the cutest 3 month old camel you've ever seen?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRamp4rZZM0/UqwwzEObI7I/AAAAAAAAHbs/7vEI3_Qd1Pk/s1600/20131204_125520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRamp4rZZM0/UqwwzEObI7I/AAAAAAAAHbs/7vEI3_Qd1Pk/s320/20131204_125520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">momma and baby horse at our school as well</div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-14366538394944724912013-12-13T04:42:00.004-08:002013-12-13T05:00:11.969-08:00I totally meant to post these when I arrived...Here are a few photos from my trip over here...these should have been included in my first blog post from the UAE, but oh well...better late than never! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXEcDCwofdU/UqsDlsn-_wI/AAAAAAAAGb4/Q1FAvHcNjcw/s320/IMG-20130822-00075.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting ready to leave Portland for Chicago</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0e4bcJZxtpU/Uqr-aJmSKSI/AAAAAAAAGZU/US0brAMgoOQ/s1600/20130822_192321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0e4bcJZxtpU/Uqr-aJmSKSI/AAAAAAAAGZU/US0brAMgoOQ/s320/20130822_192321.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">getting ready to board the flight in Chicago to Abu Dhabi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZmsuaJZbOo/Uqr_QSlIHHI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/im4wy1u0hdc/s1600/20130822_200003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZmsuaJZbOo/Uqr_QSlIHHI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/im4wy1u0hdc/s320/20130822_200003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The line to board the flight to ABD...no organization at all...my OCD was going crazy...lol</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J_S_x7H95s/Uqr-gwEcnfI/AAAAAAAAGZk/WavpQNpkR5c/s1600/20130822_225544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J_S_x7H95s/Uqr-gwEcnfI/AAAAAAAAGZk/WavpQNpkR5c/s320/20130822_225544.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yep - that's Tillamook cheese on an international flight...a little taste of goodness</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKLp_XCS7Mo/Uqr-kVQmoII/AAAAAAAAGZs/UIeIZkX9nto/s1600/20130822_230630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKLp_XCS7Mo/Uqr-kVQmoII/AAAAAAAAGZs/UIeIZkX9nto/s320/20130822_230630.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apple crumble dessert...pretty good for airplane food!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pl0IX6ydvU/Uqr-o9-FJQI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/sPIelgj_6fY/s1600/20130822_230643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pl0IX6ydvU/Uqr-o9-FJQI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/sPIelgj_6fY/s320/20130822_230643.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PaT7RS_d_0w/Uqr-vcBT3yI/AAAAAAAAGaE/7s2mE__MdZU/s1600/20130823_144710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PaT7RS_d_0w/Uqr-vcBT3yI/AAAAAAAAGaE/7s2mE__MdZU/s320/20130823_144710.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere over Turkey from what the flight attendant said</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAcEiby7Fio/Uqr-zYVVCQI/AAAAAAAAGaU/bMzNhzWKdPM/s1600/20130823_144735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAcEiby7Fio/Uqr-zYVVCQI/AAAAAAAAGaU/bMzNhzWKdPM/s320/20130823_144735.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SV92yRi_idU/Uqr-xIJJ4NI/AAAAAAAAGaM/odNalyLG4UE/s1600/20130823_144752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SV92yRi_idU/Uqr-xIJJ4NI/AAAAAAAAGaM/odNalyLG4UE/s320/20130823_144752.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDdmJ-d-Gj8/Uqr-6x69FpI/AAAAAAAAGac/op-nkAuR42c/s1600/20130823_170915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDdmJ-d-Gj8/Uqr-6x69FpI/AAAAAAAAGac/op-nkAuR42c/s320/20130823_170915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the in-flight tracking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4X6s7tyJaiA/Uqr-9fnZw9I/AAAAAAAAGao/Jq1eNFFfCiI/s1600/20130823_171006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4X6s7tyJaiA/Uqr-9fnZw9I/AAAAAAAAGao/Jq1eNFFfCiI/s320/20130823_171006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">almost there</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt61WYeHRrU/Uqr_KkTqr0I/AAAAAAAAGbE/-99Oqn5nNPc/s1600/20130823_225157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt61WYeHRrU/Uqr_KkTqr0I/AAAAAAAAGbE/-99Oqn5nNPc/s320/20130823_225157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My home for the next two years - Abu Dhabi living!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XakrWavCeuk/Uqr_aiUmOPI/AAAAAAAAGbc/_NCskCbnl_Q/s1600/Lara_EM_ID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XakrWavCeuk/Uqr_aiUmOPI/AAAAAAAAGbc/_NCskCbnl_Q/s320/Lara_EM_ID.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm an official UAE resident.</div><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-49005994627836948832013-12-13T04:27:00.005-08:002013-12-13T04:27:54.885-08:00Desert SafariA few months ago Groupon UAE was offering a pretty darn good offer on what they called a "Desert Safari" experience. &nbsp;For 99 AED, roughly $27, you get the following:<br /><br /><ul><li>dune bashing</li><li>henna</li><li>traditional Bedouin BBQ</li><li>drinks (water, soda)</li><li>shisha</li><li>belly dancing</li><li>pictures in traditional attire</li><li>and more...</li></ul><br />It was the best 99AED I've ever spent :) &nbsp;We had SO much fun. &nbsp;Our driver for dune bashing was insane, so we instantly liked him. &nbsp;The food was so so good, the henna was beautiful...everything was picture perfect. :) &nbsp;I will definitely be doing this again. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yluM9OvrTGE/Uqr7FWzR9JI/AAAAAAAAGWY/ZecYiKXZw40/s1600/20131115_170447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yluM9OvrTGE/Uqr7FWzR9JI/AAAAAAAAGWY/ZecYiKXZw40/s320/20131115_170447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANWGvHt2U88/Uqr7ETqgRoI/AAAAAAAAGWU/3qXMCIJPVJY/s1600/20131115_172550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANWGvHt2U88/Uqr7ETqgRoI/AAAAAAAAGWU/3qXMCIJPVJY/s320/20131115_172550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">before the long trek up that mountain of sand behind me</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ve_QloYyRk/Uqr7G87LzGI/AAAAAAAAGWk/a1pf4Bj3XMM/s1600/20131115_172702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ve_QloYyRk/Uqr7G87LzGI/AAAAAAAAGWk/a1pf4Bj3XMM/s320/20131115_172702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sunset on the dunes</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANxg6D9n9A4/Uqr7NmlDWUI/AAAAAAAAGWs/8gVTdoamYYI/s1600/20131115_172909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANxg6D9n9A4/Uqr7NmlDWUI/AAAAAAAAGWs/8gVTdoamYYI/s320/20131115_172909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend gave up the fight to climb up the dune. lol</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIT1sdp7N1g/Uqr7OKprqLI/AAAAAAAAGW0/0oqshiMQrs8/s1600/20131115_173140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIT1sdp7N1g/Uqr7OKprqLI/AAAAAAAAGW0/0oqshiMQrs8/s320/20131115_173140.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">at the top</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ObE9L1W6Ic/Uqr7NrUujCI/AAAAAAAAGWw/j7Zy7RIdY_g/s1600/20131115_173704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ObE9L1W6Ic/Uqr7NrUujCI/AAAAAAAAGWw/j7Zy7RIdY_g/s320/20131115_173704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go Ducks!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDXotRXSjfQ/Uqr7WDPH_LI/AAAAAAAAGXM/_OMZZAg-pnY/s1600/20131115_173937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDXotRXSjfQ/Uqr7WDPH_LI/AAAAAAAAGXM/_OMZZAg-pnY/s320/20131115_173937.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend, Mr. Camel :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlOMnE6K_3I/Uqr7X8-lrqI/AAAAAAAAGXU/xKxHCecNttI/s1600/20131115_173959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlOMnE6K_3I/Uqr7X8-lrqI/AAAAAAAAGXU/xKxHCecNttI/s320/20131115_173959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bucket list item checked off :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAhO_OsZdPo/Uqr7QJZ49ZI/AAAAAAAAGXE/CNhfKsFcDJ4/s1600/20131115_174330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAhO_OsZdPo/Uqr7QJZ49ZI/AAAAAAAAGXE/CNhfKsFcDJ4/s320/20131115_174330.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was SO cute!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQjupdDRxUU/Uqr7YYaHwkI/AAAAAAAAGXc/3sJJwIEdB-A/s1600/20131115_174505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQjupdDRxUU/Uqr7YYaHwkI/AAAAAAAAGXc/3sJJwIEdB-A/s320/20131115_174505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom - can I keep him? &nbsp;(the camel - not the guy)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eU3klAaJOk/Uqr7f-8hKAI/AAAAAAAAGX0/8oJ-RMjycUM/s1600/20131115_175348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eU3klAaJOk/Uqr7f-8hKAI/AAAAAAAAGX0/8oJ-RMjycUM/s320/20131115_175348.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ATV dune bashing...at dusk...then by moonlight :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awzQBHnYGy0/Uqr7fHC8g9I/AAAAAAAAGXw/Cvpf7vrUMZw/s1600/20131115_184343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awzQBHnYGy0/Uqr7fHC8g9I/AAAAAAAAGXw/Cvpf7vrUMZw/s320/20131115_184343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">belly dancer - she was amazing...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-WOB3KyOgI/Uqr7gXarpHI/AAAAAAAAGX8/bxH7LICnbts/s1600/20131115_185510-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-WOB3KyOgI/Uqr7gXarpHI/AAAAAAAAGX8/bxH7LICnbts/s320/20131115_185510-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESiArWmOxlc/Uqr7rKjy9YI/AAAAAAAAGYc/OgUg1y4hRUY/s1600/DSCN0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESiArWmOxlc/Uqr7rKjy9YI/AAAAAAAAGYc/OgUg1y4hRUY/s320/DSCN0373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the following pics are out of order - these are on the way to there</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tptcvtOuqn8/Uqr7oxkfzeI/AAAAAAAAGYU/vgFM648fW6o/s1600/DSCN0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tptcvtOuqn8/Uqr7oxkfzeI/AAAAAAAAGYU/vgFM648fW6o/s320/DSCN0374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">nice look, Rachel ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bGRQWG60ZI/Uqr7r5zTzkI/AAAAAAAAGYg/TSpXwY_KC8s/s1600/DSCN0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bGRQWG60ZI/Uqr7r5zTzkI/AAAAAAAAGYg/TSpXwY_KC8s/s320/DSCN0376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sAhWFBnst0/Uqr7x07WzFI/AAAAAAAAGYs/eREOqr-Ehss/s1600/DSCN0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sAhWFBnst0/Uqr7x07WzFI/AAAAAAAAGYs/eREOqr-Ehss/s320/DSCN0380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hahaha - so much fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZGim2XWEnc/Uqr71jsib9I/AAAAAAAAGY4/zaiCTkX1L2k/s1600/DSCN0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZGim2XWEnc/Uqr71jsib9I/AAAAAAAAGY4/zaiCTkX1L2k/s320/DSCN0383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY1lCdEE9Hg/Uqr71jcvPtI/AAAAAAAAGY0/5ECh6DeqHw4/s1600/DSCN0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oY1lCdEE9Hg/Uqr71jcvPtI/AAAAAAAAGY0/5ECh6DeqHw4/s320/DSCN0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwpla1aISDo/Uqr78NLDsQI/AAAAAAAAGZE/_PsyTePFj24/s1600/DSCN0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwpla1aISDo/Uqr78NLDsQI/AAAAAAAAGZE/_PsyTePFj24/s320/DSCN0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love my adventurous friends!!</div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-82282701098024513592013-12-13T04:13:00.000-08:002013-12-13T05:05:19.179-08:00An Emirate Wedding...One of the things I'd heard about when I moved here was the beauty of an Emirate wedding and how one would consider themselves extremely fortunate to be invited to one. &nbsp;Well - I am extremely fortunate as I was invited to and attended an Emirate wedding only a few weeks ago. &nbsp;It truly was an honor. &nbsp;And - the same family has invited me to another wedding of theirs in February. &nbsp;I am SO excited...and so are my friends...(see #1 below) ha ha. ;)<br /><div><br /></div><div>Here's a quick intro course to Emirate weddings. <br /><div><ol><li>When you are invited, it means so are your friends. &nbsp;It is customary to invite friends to go with you when you are invited to a wedding. &nbsp;You're thinking, "What? &nbsp;Someone who is invited gets to invite others? &nbsp;Are you sure? &nbsp;Positive? &nbsp;This would never happen in the States, um, I'd better check with the family to be sure." &nbsp;Yes - it's true. &nbsp;If you get an invitation - your friends should looking for wedding attire :) &nbsp;</li><li>If the invitation says a certain time...add two hours. &nbsp;For example - "be there at 8pm" really means, "10pm is totally fine - you might even still be considered early."</li><li>The bride and groom's receptions are kept separate. &nbsp;As a female you are only invited to the bride's party and vice versa.</li><li>Be prepared to have your mind blown at how gorgeous the venue is.</li><li>Be prepared to have your mind blown at how gorgeous the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, and basically everyone is, including the guests. &nbsp;People don't seem to have ugly friends here and if they do, they aren't invited. &nbsp;(I'm kidding).</li><li>Be prepared to see more real diamonds and jewels than in Hollywood on Oscar night. &nbsp;(I'm not kidding.)</li><li>Be prepared to smell better than you have ever smelled in your life. &nbsp;Incense burners full of oud (bakhoor specifically) and bottles of perfume will come around - don't be shy - put the burner under your shayla and waft the bakhoor towards you. &nbsp;You will simply die at how lovely you smell.</li><li>Once you're there...don't leave to use the restroom - you will miss out on entertainment, courses of food, and goodness knows what else :) &nbsp;Sit in your seat and take it alllllll in.</li><li>Arabian women are some of the most beautiful women in the world. &nbsp;No wonder they cover themselves. &nbsp;However, at weddings - they are not covered (see #5) and you will be amazed at just how gorgeous they all are without their abayas and shaylas covering them. &nbsp;</li><li>You will know the groom is about to enter when everyone starts to cover themselves back up. &nbsp;Don't worry - he won't stay long - only for pictures, then he'll sceedaddle back to his own party.</li><li>Do not take pictures of the guests or wedding party...unless you ask permission...which you probably won't be granted. &nbsp;It's best to stick to taking pictures of food and flowers and your friends only :)</li><li>Do not eat before attending the wedding...for the entire day. &nbsp;You will eat more than a small country's worth of food in only a few hours, you'd do well to fast the entire day up until the wedding.</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-KHZEqaxrw/Uqr2zjFf1JI/AAAAAAAAGVE/2DOVRagQo7w/s1600/20131114_202948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-KHZEqaxrw/Uqr2zjFf1JI/AAAAAAAAGVE/2DOVRagQo7w/s400/20131114_202948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The venue.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkRoEvFBDfU/Uqr2s0XiD-I/AAAAAAAAGUw/wDU8SXG81S0/s1600/20131114_203144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkRoEvFBDfU/Uqr2s0XiD-I/AAAAAAAAGUw/wDU8SXG81S0/s400/20131114_203144.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Traditional milk tea - YUM!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIDvnZjaW5E/Uqr2ymX1eqI/AAAAAAAAGVA/6g2shnrTQFc/s1600/20131114_203205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIDvnZjaW5E/Uqr2ymX1eqI/AAAAAAAAGVA/6g2shnrTQFc/s400/20131114_203205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;My friends and I.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4BBWfA8Nlo/Uqr2xlP58BI/AAAAAAAAGU4/wc-2sSeE8nI/s1600/20131114_204048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4BBWfA8Nlo/Uqr2xlP58BI/AAAAAAAAGU4/wc-2sSeE8nI/s400/20131114_204048.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that's a camera...on a crane.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7PdvHGB0bA/Uqr3APZnreI/AAAAAAAAGVo/jlJ_wp-9wi0/s1600/20131114_204101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7PdvHGB0bA/Uqr3APZnreI/AAAAAAAAGVo/jlJ_wp-9wi0/s400/20131114_204101.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our table centerpiece.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz81vP4cqvk/Uqr26TW4UlI/AAAAAAAAGVY/c0wYsnrzKZI/s1600/20131114_204908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz81vP4cqvk/Uqr26TW4UlI/AAAAAAAAGVY/c0wYsnrzKZI/s400/20131114_204908.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pistachio tea...equally YUM!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxQs4zx5kvQ/Uqr29ryWkqI/AAAAAAAAGVg/o923yCWBais/s1600/20131114_211153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxQs4zx5kvQ/Uqr29ryWkqI/AAAAAAAAGVg/o923yCWBais/s400/20131114_211153.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sample of dinner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3NH-olFb20/Uqr3GTLeoAI/AAAAAAAAGVw/K_qMc4jOpIc/s1600/20131114_215346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3NH-olFb20/Uqr3GTLeoAI/AAAAAAAAGVw/K_qMc4jOpIc/s400/20131114_215346.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dress for the wedding.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L5M9JNXIEE/Uqr3H7Q2dRI/AAAAAAAAGV4/0_BG4ynRNVk/s1600/20131114_232851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L5M9JNXIEE/Uqr3H7Q2dRI/AAAAAAAAGV4/0_BG4ynRNVk/s400/20131114_232851.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dessert!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-63238966867269719662013-12-13T03:44:00.001-08:002013-12-13T03:44:27.181-08:00Wow...it's almost been two months......since a blog post...where has the time gone?<br /><br />So - I guess I need to add blogging to my calendar...I didn't realize it has been this long and so much has gone on in the last two months. &nbsp;I guess I'd best get started with the updates. &nbsp;The easiest way to do this is to look at pictures and see what's been going on. &nbsp;Here are a couple of things I found hilarious. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp1-h6UBmDg/UqrxURYHMDI/AAAAAAAAGUc/MUZEWT3j7vE/s1600/20131019_200529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp1-h6UBmDg/UqrxURYHMDI/AAAAAAAAGUc/MUZEWT3j7vE/s640/20131019_200529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;So - this is great...the rat gets stuck to the glue...then what? &nbsp;Did you notice the syringe on the cockroach and ant killing gel? &nbsp;I'm sure it's not actually a syringe, right? &nbsp;I mean - it's "high safety for kids" and all...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Q8GFhJnzY/UqrxMKp25zI/AAAAAAAAGUU/2LLzF1wYvgc/s1600/20131019_200824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Q8GFhJnzY/UqrxMKp25zI/AAAAAAAAGUU/2LLzF1wYvgc/s640/20131019_200824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you're not comfortable in your own skin, what do you do? &nbsp;BLEACH it! &nbsp;Products like this are found everywhere here. &nbsp;In the supermarkets there are aisles of skin whitening products. &nbsp;Amazing...and we silly Americans lay out in the sun for HOURS to darken our skin...I wonder what the skin (or other) cancer rates are for the reverse?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-29483751130168108312013-10-15T22:18:00.000-07:002013-10-15T22:20:25.476-07:00The gallery...One of the most interesting experiences here thus far was my recent trip to the local public beach. &nbsp;On previous beach excursions, I've gone in the evening or to a private "pay" beach. &nbsp;However, my trip to the beach yesterday proved to be quite the spectacle...and what was everyone looking at, you ask? &nbsp;Any woman on the beach. <br /><br />Prior to moving here I had been told that as a woman I would be looked at...stared at...leered at. &nbsp;Not all necessarily in bad ways - but because I'm a foreigner that men here would be interested. &nbsp;I can, without hesitation, say this has been absolutely true, however not once have I felt unsafe. &nbsp;I've been walking alone at all hours, going to and from a store or just going on a walk, and I've never had any issues. &nbsp;Of course I'm safe - normally going with a friend, but even on the rare occasion I'm alone, my personal safety has never come into question. &nbsp;Crimes against women are heavily prosecuted and to be honest, it's not worth the punishment. &nbsp;The punishment is swift and severe, so crime on all levels is extremely low. &nbsp;Anyway - my day at the beach can be best described by the following picture. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRloHBQWS0s/Ul4Uo2Hp0MI/AAAAAAAAE2M/PLNgA1Et_Hs/s1600/20131015_164852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRloHBQWS0s/Ul4Uo2Hp0MI/AAAAAAAAE2M/PLNgA1Et_Hs/s400/20131015_164852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ugh - I have to figure out what that spot is on my camera lense. &nbsp;Anyway - look past that and you'll see men lined up against the railing...if you look close enough - just off to the right hand side, you'll see a guy in a long sleeved, white shirt, with a black beret and HE is why they're turned around. &nbsp;The gentleman in white is a security guard, who for probably the 50th time, has blown his whistle and "shoo'ed" them away from the railing. &nbsp;No joke - the men would line up along the railing to "view" the women on the beach. &nbsp;Ok - I get it - it sounds creepy and to be honest, it was a bit creepy to be stared at, but when you know you're safe - you ultimately shrug it off. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I didn't get was a great pic of the scene in the water....primarily because I wasn't going to take my phone in the water with me. &nbsp;I did take one from our spot on the beach...which sort of shows you what it looked like. &nbsp;Guys would stare at you as you were swimming...and if you talked to them? &nbsp;You made their day. &nbsp;I had one boy - truly he looked 12, but was probably 19, ask me how my day was as I was walking out of the water. &nbsp;I replied, "Fine, thank you - how are you?" &nbsp;He about peed himself...and after I walked off, got the giggles. &nbsp;One of my friends assured me I had just made his day....and all because I spoke to him? &nbsp;It boggles my mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoMsrh8kTw4/Ul4XZrQWEFI/AAAAAAAAE3E/JL9OYCGTqg8/s1600/20131015_142216+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoMsrh8kTw4/Ul4XZrQWEFI/AAAAAAAAE3E/JL9OYCGTqg8/s400/20131015_142216+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The people in the water in the picture above? &nbsp;Men...and maybe a couple of women. &nbsp;When we walked in the water, they would kind of spread out to let us through, then circle back around. &nbsp;It was SO weird being on "display". &nbsp;If you stayed in for a decent period of time, they would kind of forget you were there...but if you moved around a lot, they would notice. &nbsp;The beach was full of security, so if guys got too close (according to the judgement of security) they would blow their whistle and have the guys move away from us. &nbsp;So, despite the "gallery" effect, we never felt unsafe. &nbsp;We literally had our own "security" that made sure we weren't being bothered. &nbsp;Now, I'm sure this comes across like we were the only women on the beach and that's not true - everything I've mentioned applies to all the women on the beach.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DP9fsCfIQlQ/Ul4WHhergfI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/w7skNDEpW6U/s1600/20131015_142249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DP9fsCfIQlQ/Ul4WHhergfI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/w7skNDEpW6U/s400/20131015_142249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking down the beach towards where I live. &nbsp;I live just past the tall building on the left and in from the beach about two blocks. :) &nbsp;This beach is where the Red Bull Air Races will be held. &nbsp;I am BEYOND excited for February to roll around!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another thing about living here that is 180 degrees different from living in the states has to do with larger women - shall I say voluptuous and curvy women - are celebrated, not mocked. &nbsp;Living here has done wonders for my self-esteem. &nbsp;There is no pressure to be skinny. &nbsp;No pressure to look like VS models - to starve to fit some societal ideal of the perfect woman. &nbsp;I would say the majority of women here are a healthy size 14 or above. &nbsp;Rarely do you see someone who is stick thin skinny or the opposite - morbidly obese. &nbsp;I don't say this for any other reason than to express that living in a society where "thin" is the primary definition of "beautiful" and girls are starving themselves to meet some ungodly and unhealthy number on a scale is more damaging than you imagine. &nbsp;I also don't bring any of this up as an excuse to be unhealthy. &nbsp;I've actually lost weight here...without even trying. &nbsp;To be accepted for who I am physically by society has been liberating. &nbsp;I have enough stress with my job - the last thing I need to worry about is if I'm skinny enough. &nbsp;"These chains are not placed on us from the outside, you know" - is a favorite saying of someone close to me...and I totally agree - most often we place the chains of judgement and pressure on ourselves more than anyone else does. &nbsp;BUT - when it comes to issues of weight - societal expectations in the US are a bi*** and ARE placed on us from the outside. &nbsp;I've already been warned by a couple of friends who have been here for a year, that upon returning to the US next summer, to expect culture shock when it comes to body image. &nbsp;I think that's reasonable, as I certainly am experiencing culture shock here. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to iterate this post is not meant to trash skinny girls. &nbsp;I have several friends who have never dieted a day in their lives who are beautifully skinny - but also have their own set of body issues. &nbsp;It's a two way street. &nbsp;This is merely a commentary on the load of crap girls are fed from a young age, living in the US (as it's my only reference point until now), to be skinny...and that to be a larger girl somehow means one is "less than". &nbsp;I've put up with that load of total BS my entire life from people that care about me to complete strangers. &nbsp;Even when I was at my skinniest, I still never fit the "ideal" skinny. &nbsp;It's so nice to finally be able to be my large girl self and not feel bad. &nbsp;The fact that I'm actually losing weight...a bit ironic, don't you think? &nbsp;I won't even try to figure out the psychology behind it. :) &nbsp;(although it's pretty obvious, right?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-54239593318522054112013-10-14T10:29:00.001-07:002013-10-14T10:29:11.123-07:00I'm so excited...I am a huge fan of the Red Bull Air Races...and look what I just found out is coming to Abu Dhabi...<br /><br /><a href="http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/news/formula.one.of.the.skies.to.take.off.in.abu.dhabi.aspx">http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/news/formula.one.of.the.skies.to.take.off.in.abu.dhabi.aspx</a><br /><br />http://www.redbullairrace.com/en_US/video/2014-season-preview<br /><br />That's right...the season kicks off in ABD next February. &nbsp;The best thing? &nbsp;My apartment faces the Corniche, where this will start. &nbsp;So, I'll be able to see the races from my apartment!! &nbsp;I'll of course walk the 5 minutes to the beach instead, but I'm so unbelievably excited that I'll be able to SEE THE RACES! <br /><br />Not to mention the Formula 1 races are here in November...I'm still looking into tickets for that, but they are expensive. <br /><br />I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-31273017479252999282013-10-14T01:35:00.001-07:002013-10-14T08:28:12.899-07:00Flexibility, Marhaba, Eid al Adha, Al Ain, more rugby and my first live camel sighting...Life in the UAE is not boring, that's for sure. &nbsp;If I had to choose one word to describe what life is like and what it takes to survive here, I would choose "flexibility". &nbsp;In the US we are very accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it. &nbsp;You know where you can go to get things, &nbsp;anything your heart desires, at least if you live in a city or a relatively large town. &nbsp;Either way - you know what's available to you, when and where you can get it. &nbsp;(for example - the charging cord to my Nook broke...as in the part that fits into my Nook broke off - wires broken, the whole thing is now in the trash...where do I find a new cord?? &nbsp;No Best Buys here...no Barnes and Nobles...and according to our tech guy - no place carries them. &nbsp;Thankfully, it's a micro USB, so my phone charger will actually also charge my Nook...which I didn't know until now. &nbsp;YEA for technie victories!)<br /><div><br /></div><div>Also, in the states you know within relative certainty, the timeline in which it takes something to get done. &nbsp;Here? &nbsp;It's not quite that easy. &nbsp;Here you need to be flexible...and patient. &nbsp;I might actually choose patient over flexible, however the two might go hand in hand. &nbsp;Living here has helped me slow life down a bit...to be more patient....and flexible, which for a strong Type A personality has been quite the challenge indeed. &nbsp;For example, in the states, your school calendar is fixed and you know almost a full year in advance what those holiday days off will be. &nbsp;Here? &nbsp;part of the school calendar is controlled by the moon. &nbsp;Yes...the moon. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/muslim/eid-al-adha" target="_blank">Eid al Adha</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm not saying whether the difference is good or bad - it's just different...and requires flexibilty...and patience. &nbsp;So, we didn't know we'd get a full 9 days off of school until last Wednesday...which meant making travel plans (or any plans for that matter) more difficult. &nbsp;I understand now why the favorite saying in the UAE is "insha allah" - meaning God Willing. &nbsp;If it's meant to be...it will be - insha allah. &nbsp;It's slowly becoming my mantra as well. &nbsp;Despite the patience and flexibility on-the-job training I'm receiving (insert sarcasm here), I am thrilled to have 9 days off from school. &nbsp;The first couple days of which I spent hanging with the ladies in Al Ain - my first trip into the desert. &nbsp;It was beautiful there and should I stay in the UAE long enough to have a family, I would probably move to Al Ain. &nbsp;It's smaller, quieter, greener, and close to the mountains.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZUYoGW8oUM/Ulug9kf8YyI/AAAAAAAAEwA/TlYztsFupFs/s1600/20131011_154915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZUYoGW8oUM/Ulug9kf8YyI/AAAAAAAAEwA/TlYztsFupFs/s320/20131011_154915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7b3Oa3Jitq4/Ulug8QQbmWI/AAAAAAAAEv0/IJ9bcrSbznw/s1600/20131011_154924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7b3Oa3Jitq4/Ulug8QQbmWI/AAAAAAAAEv0/IJ9bcrSbznw/s320/20131011_154924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-XCAe41lMg/Ulug8ysQRHI/AAAAAAAAEv4/QE9OzSSDOpw/s1600/20131011_160055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-XCAe41lMg/Ulug8ysQRHI/AAAAAAAAEv4/QE9OzSSDOpw/s320/20131011_160055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sand dunes!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYVhCtWA5yQ/UluhDt47X3I/AAAAAAAAEwM/kxUTCl8mbYM/s1600/20131011_160113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYVhCtWA5yQ/UluhDt47X3I/AAAAAAAAEwM/kxUTCl8mbYM/s320/20131011_160113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0sdlMdgaTk/UluhF68mOfI/AAAAAAAAEwU/UZ8ztwQxEdY/s1600/20131011_160120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0sdlMdgaTk/UluhF68mOfI/AAAAAAAAEwU/UZ8ztwQxEdY/s320/20131011_160120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsY3ZgAT1ak/UluhFwpGcoI/AAAAAAAAEwY/N4N32s-AAKI/s1600/20131011_160220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsY3ZgAT1ak/UluhFwpGcoI/AAAAAAAAEwY/N4N32s-AAKI/s320/20131011_160220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-os1Eu2rhySw/UluhIhm0x0I/AAAAAAAAEwk/eEFK_3jwyUM/s1600/20131011_160226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-os1Eu2rhySw/UluhIhm0x0I/AAAAAAAAEwk/eEFK_3jwyUM/s320/20131011_160226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to get on a camel and explore those dunes someday!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jbpyIZ4mjY/UluhQMN_JNI/AAAAAAAAEww/cB1mKmLHAaQ/s1600/20131011_160318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jbpyIZ4mjY/UluhQMN_JNI/AAAAAAAAEww/cB1mKmLHAaQ/s320/20131011_160318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EZsQqxaGas/UluhQIAPf7I/AAAAAAAAEws/uVC_nem9K1E/s1600/20131011_160443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EZsQqxaGas/UluhQIAPf7I/AAAAAAAAEws/uVC_nem9K1E/s320/20131011_160443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A billboard of Sheikh Khalifa - current ruler of the UAE.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkS4ENQedYc/UluhQYO9P2I/AAAAAAAAEw0/hbL5_4xzqaI/s1600/20131011_161729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkS4ENQedYc/UluhQYO9P2I/AAAAAAAAEw0/hbL5_4xzqaI/s320/20131011_161729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See those mountains in the background? :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While in Al Ain we watched a rugby match and the team from Al Ain slaughtered their opponent - final score at half was 75 to 7...so they finished the game at half time. &nbsp;It was pretty amazing. &nbsp;The rugby matches here are little parties...this one had a band and a flamethrower as sideline entertainment. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6yz9HEEQSs/UluiLph3fxI/AAAAAAAAExE/h29IGtPvNLQ/s1600/20131011_181149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6yz9HEEQSs/UluiLph3fxI/AAAAAAAAExE/h29IGtPvNLQ/s320/20131011_181149.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub9ZGq74Wyo/UluiMHPVvbI/AAAAAAAAExI/BB-I9XGsRtA/s1600/20131011_181313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub9ZGq74Wyo/UluiMHPVvbI/AAAAAAAAExI/BB-I9XGsRtA/s320/20131011_181313.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After rugby we went out for a night on the town. &nbsp;A couple of my friends here taught in Al Ain last year, so we ran into former students and parents. &nbsp;It was really wonderful to see the sense of community in this smaller town. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later on when we returned to our hotel and were about to go to sleep, our A/C went out. &nbsp;We'd had problems with it all night, had the repairmen into fix it, were told it was fixed, only to lay in bed, almost asleep and here a "pop---shhhhhhh" and have the room quickly fill with a burnt stench and smokey smell. &nbsp;They offered us another room and when we came back to the room the next morning to collect our belongings, this is what we found.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y281-E_8Tmc/UlujR63mr5I/AAAAAAAAExc/MWTGAxVyy9w/s1600/20131012_112146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y281-E_8Tmc/UlujR63mr5I/AAAAAAAAExc/MWTGAxVyy9w/s320/20131012_112146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smoke stains above the a/c vent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkEdlN9QClE/UlujTtPf7sI/AAAAAAAAExk/Ago5yvKNjD0/s1600/20131012_112151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkEdlN9QClE/UlujTtPf7sI/AAAAAAAAExk/Ago5yvKNjD0/s320/20131012_112151.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and they had started knocking out the wall in the bathroom and ceiling to get to the a/c</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBVqY6sFJVE/UlujQY9XKNI/AAAAAAAAExU/IwgtFiPjs8k/s1600/20131012_112205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBVqY6sFJVE/UlujQY9XKNI/AAAAAAAAExU/IwgtFiPjs8k/s320/20131012_112205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBM2mlLDtHE/UlujXa3g-LI/AAAAAAAAExs/XjAO6X07ung/s1600/20131012_113110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBM2mlLDtHE/UlujXa3g-LI/AAAAAAAAExs/XjAO6X07ung/s320/20131012_113110.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yea - that would be the bathtub in the bathroom...with the floor covered in cement chunks and bits of drywall</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boMOsUKMb7M/UlujZ0fWGEI/AAAAAAAAEx0/TMjvA_RJK50/s1600/20131012_122217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boMOsUKMb7M/UlujZ0fWGEI/AAAAAAAAEx0/TMjvA_RJK50/s320/20131012_122217.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soooo....we took our a/c troubles to the pool :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our overnight -we headed back into Abu Dhabi. &nbsp;On the way back we actually saw a live camel. &nbsp;It was my first camel sighting and it was pretty thrilling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMcsazkGZs4/Uluj8YEvKMI/AAAAAAAAEx8/G0dbaHfGX7g/s1600/20131012_151859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMcsazkGZs4/Uluj8YEvKMI/AAAAAAAAEx8/G0dbaHfGX7g/s320/20131012_151859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even tho he's in the back of a truck - it was still super fun to see him! &nbsp;Next time, I'm going to find one to ride...it's a must and on my bucket list!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prior to our trip to Al Ain - the secondary (high school) students at our school put on a Marhaba festival for the new teachers. &nbsp;Marhaba means "welcome". &nbsp;It was pretty amazing. &nbsp;It was primarily the 9th grade students who organized the whole thing and it was truly wonderful. &nbsp;They put together powerpoints and videos about the history of the UAE, as well as treated us to henna artists, amazing food, had traditional clothing called "jalabiyas" for us to try on. &nbsp;One girl even brought in her pet falcon (yes, her pet) and we were allowed to hold and pet him. &nbsp;It was amazing and so much fun! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q46Z2bdBMd8/UluohgD907I/AAAAAAAAEzM/t4QAOz2hYq8/s1600/20131009_173102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q46Z2bdBMd8/UluohgD907I/AAAAAAAAEzM/t4QAOz2hYq8/s320/20131009_173102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the henna artist starting...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48NlcUVjEQw/Ulul1DWjXdI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/wRdsWSJjYAo/s1600/20131009_205528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48NlcUVjEQw/Ulul1DWjXdI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/wRdsWSJjYAo/s320/20131009_205528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first henna - it actually got MUCH darker than this. &nbsp;It turns dark brown when it's fully dried.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Amrf2WUIO54/UlumrKeOoiI/AAAAAAAAEyg/56WnTdbTyaQ/s1600/20131009_165625-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Amrf2WUIO54/UlumrKeOoiI/AAAAAAAAEyg/56WnTdbTyaQ/s320/20131009_165625-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amazing that someone has a falcon as a pet. :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1CiJLBOH-k/UluofkZGJLI/AAAAAAAAEy4/pjHmOOV6pdo/s1600/20131009_170414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1CiJLBOH-k/UluofkZGJLI/AAAAAAAAEy4/pjHmOOV6pdo/s320/20131009_170414.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">jalabiyas on display</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzGexg4aAps/Uluoh2tqQoI/AAAAAAAAEzI/xAHXrZPIJzo/s1600/20131009_170427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzGexg4aAps/Uluoh2tqQoI/AAAAAAAAEzI/xAHXrZPIJzo/s320/20131009_170427.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"oud" - perfume...so strong, but so pretty</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVtaFpQ3pAo/UluofEVMNZI/AAAAAAAAEy0/tKs5Kx6HtQY/s1600/20131009_170819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVtaFpQ3pAo/UluofEVMNZI/AAAAAAAAEy0/tKs5Kx6HtQY/s320/20131009_170819.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">trying on jalabiyas</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5h6ssYEu5I/UlummGjYX3I/AAAAAAAAEyY/8QDiH4xdB6E/s1600/20131010_092319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5h6ssYEu5I/UlummGjYX3I/AAAAAAAAEyY/8QDiH4xdB6E/s320/20131010_092319.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me in my first "jalabiya". &nbsp;I will definitely be buying more. &nbsp;While not the most slimming of attire, they are super comfortable and the kiddos sure got a kick out of seeing me wearing one :) &nbsp;They were able to dress in their traditional attire, kandooras for the boys and jalabiyas for the girls. &nbsp;I wish I could post a picture of how absolutely adorable they looked!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ttqnadhvA0/UlumtRfuLNI/AAAAAAAAEyo/1WqTfxWKkjw/s1600/20131010_095758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ttqnadhvA0/UlumtRfuLNI/AAAAAAAAEyo/1WqTfxWKkjw/s320/20131010_095758.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the Eid treats brought in by the parents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So - after school finished for the day and I now had 9 days off, I decided to hit the beach at sunset. &nbsp;I've wanted to do this for quite some time and it seemed a fitting and peaceful way to end a very hectic week and to start a wonderful Eid break. &nbsp;Here are some of the pictures from my sunset beach walk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f7Yhiq0EsZc/Ulup-U0S2nI/AAAAAAAAEzY/4t2pPVzTUdw/s1600/20131010_172504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f7Yhiq0EsZc/Ulup-U0S2nI/AAAAAAAAEzY/4t2pPVzTUdw/s320/20131010_172504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ai5elZRW_uw/UluqIFIfYXI/AAAAAAAAEzo/o9n1zgbwZhA/s1600/20131010_172944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ai5elZRW_uw/UluqIFIfYXI/AAAAAAAAEzo/o9n1zgbwZhA/s320/20131010_172944.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_Tl2p2ARP8/UluqERWklpI/AAAAAAAAEzg/S6sRrDx4A3M/s1600/20131010_173639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_Tl2p2ARP8/UluqERWklpI/AAAAAAAAEzg/S6sRrDx4A3M/s320/20131010_173639.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6s58caTSA/UluqJFKtG2I/AAAAAAAAEzs/IdkkXuBDSoE/s1600/20131010_175627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6s58caTSA/UluqJFKtG2I/AAAAAAAAEzs/IdkkXuBDSoE/s320/20131010_175627.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QwFrPSlHKZI/UluqLQtOAGI/AAAAAAAAE0A/jD87ol9IIJo/s1600/20131010_181029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QwFrPSlHKZI/UluqLQtOAGI/AAAAAAAAE0A/jD87ol9IIJo/s320/20131010_181029.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0rFbYG-tWY/UluqKPTpKPI/AAAAAAAAEz0/0GbNBo0LnOU/s1600/20131010_182117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0rFbYG-tWY/UluqKPTpKPI/AAAAAAAAEz0/0GbNBo0LnOU/s320/20131010_182117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPZ_Hfod2CY/UluqPflnFPI/AAAAAAAAE0I/P54YL2xK5Og/s1600/20131010_182250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPZ_Hfod2CY/UluqPflnFPI/AAAAAAAAE0I/P54YL2xK5Og/s320/20131010_182250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once again...my life is so blessed. &nbsp;Being away from everything I've ever known has caused me to be come extremely self-reflective. &nbsp;I've always been a self-reflective person - constantly questioning myself and challenging myself to do better, to be better...and feeling sick to my stomach guilty when I fall short. &nbsp;My time here is like that, but on steroids. &nbsp;There is nothing like living in the unknown for some quiet self-reflection and change of perspective. &nbsp;Perhaps, I'll share more of those changes in perspective with you later. &nbsp;But for now....Happy Eid Al Ahda! &nbsp;I'm going to read a couple of chapters in my new book - "I am Malala" about the 16 year old girl who was shot by the Taliban. &nbsp;What an amazing story! &nbsp;Take care and thanks for reading. &nbsp;More updates to come!</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-25923301793890213332013-10-05T09:27:00.004-07:002013-10-05T09:27:43.767-07:00Decorating and RugbySlowly but surely, my apartment is coming together here. &nbsp;Piece by piece I'm slowly turning my apartment into a "home" rather than just a place I happen to live in. &nbsp;Hopefully, by the time Eric visits in December, my apartment will be homey and not feel so sterile. &nbsp;I still have quite a bit to do, but my living room is coming along. &nbsp;This is the view from my dining room table. &nbsp;I did not choose the curtains...they came with the apartment. &nbsp;Rather than spend the money to replace them, I'm working with them :) &nbsp;The daytime view behind those curtains tho is fantastic! &nbsp;As for decor - there are a few home stores nearby, but so far the favorite has been IKEA. &nbsp;Slowly, but surely....inshallah ;) &nbsp;As for pictures on the walls, I'm thinking of only doing photographs from home or ones I take here. &nbsp;Getting them blown up and framed. &nbsp;We'll see how that works. &nbsp;More pics to come as my little place comes together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUG-fkgswPg/UlAz_2kXQgI/AAAAAAAAEes/bVzlgVZRc1k/s1600/20131005_193717+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUG-fkgswPg/UlAz_2kXQgI/AAAAAAAAEes/bVzlgVZRc1k/s320/20131005_193717+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>RUGBY!!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img alt="2013-10-04 18.02.05" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/10099723723_6b30065d4b.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A huge thanks to Rebecca for letting me borrow one of her pictures, as I absentmindedly took NONE of the tournament. &nbsp;Some of my friends here know members of the team from Al Ain, so we went and cheered them on last night at the Sheikh Zayed Sports Complex. &nbsp;It was good fun and reminded me of my favorite American Rugby team - the Highwaymen! &nbsp;I miss cheering them on when they'd come to AZ for their tourneys. &nbsp;One of my favorite people in the world - happens to be a crazy rugby player! ;) &nbsp;So I dedicate this past weekend to Geoff and his rugby team. &nbsp;Come on over to Abu Dhabi - they have tournaments here too!! :) &nbsp;And a few wonderful post-rugby places to hang out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/166959_10100211043903236_1472177650_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was about it for this weekend. &nbsp;With Eid holiday coming up in about 10 days, there will be more exploring and adventures to come. &nbsp;I may even go on my first camel ride! &nbsp;(and try desperately not to face plant, like a friend of mine did...and it was caught on video...lol) &nbsp;oooo....and I feel HER nickname finally coming to me... ;) I'll reveal it soon, friends, very soon. &nbsp;Everyone needs a good nickname. &nbsp;I have to be careful tho - because I don't get to choose mine... &nbsp;ha ha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh - I did have my first out of school run in with a student today at IKEA. &nbsp;I have twins in my classroom and heard the sweetest "Ms. Lara?" from behind me in the line at the cafe inside IKEA. &nbsp;It was a treat to see two of my students outside of the classroom. &nbsp;So fun!</div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-1946331782448523132013-10-01T10:10:00.000-07:002013-10-01T10:10:04.629-07:00A few things no one tells you about, but should...Just look at the pic and see what kind of shampoo/conditioner it is...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nuc789U3BKg/Ukr_KGDA2MI/AAAAAAAAEdA/mdj99z69AfU/s1600/20131001_205359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nuc789U3BKg/Ukr_KGDA2MI/AAAAAAAAEdA/mdj99z69AfU/s320/20131001_205359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Yes, that's right - "<b>anti hair fall</b>". &nbsp;Pardon me, but WTH?? &nbsp;No one told me I would need THIS. &nbsp;And if you're wondering what it's for - take it literally - you use it so your hair doesn't fall out as you get adjusted to the water here. &nbsp;So, I'm thankful to a couple of my new friends who told me about this my first weekend in ABD - after a quick trip to LuLu's grocery, I was set. &nbsp;I haven't lost any of my hair, but my eyelashes have taken a beating. &nbsp;In the pharmacy across the street in the souk, they sell a shower head with a filter in it to condition the water, which also helps prevent hair loss. &nbsp;I'll be heading out this weekend to get one. &nbsp; Seriously. &nbsp;Oh - and if you think it has any effect on one's leg hair? &nbsp;No such luck...of course not. &nbsp;I couldn't possibly stand to not have to shave my legs, but lose my eyelashes? &nbsp;Sure - because that makes perfect sense. wow. &nbsp; Not that I'm bitter or anything ;o)<br /><br />Taxi drivers...are either hilarious and personable, or rude. &nbsp;I haven't really experienced much in between, however they ALL drive like Formula 1 race car drivers. &nbsp;You basically get in the taxi and hold on for dear life. &nbsp;I might need to take out life insurance. &nbsp;The upside is that it's not my car, so drive like a madman - it's less cab fare for me to pay.<br /><br />Car horns...I have heard more car horns used in my one month of living here than I have my entire life living in the States. &nbsp;No joke. &nbsp;Rarely do you hear the polite little tap...it's the "raaaaaaaawwwwwwwrrrrrrrck". &nbsp;Go ahead and be at my school during pick up....HMMOG...more horn honking than profanities used by a sailor during wartime. <br /><br />"Yeah, sure..."said by nearly everyone except expats. &nbsp;It's hard for me to hear it, because to me it sounds Scandinavian...I grew up around Norwegians. &nbsp;Here, it doesn't mean - "hey - I know where I'm going" or "Yes, I know what you're talking about." &nbsp;It literally means, "whatever - please quit talking - uh huh - yep - heard you - no seriously, quit talking - crazy tourists." <br /><br />Non-aerosol hairspray is virtually impossible to find here and crazy expensive when you do. &nbsp;I get that they aren't as worried about the environment over here, but to go so far as to NOT have non-aerosol hairspray? &nbsp;That's just crazy talk. &nbsp;Yea yea yea - 1st world problems...I get it. ;) &nbsp;But, I'm down to my last tiny bit in my travel size, so it looks like I'll be spending a chunk-o-dirhams in the next few days. <br /><br />I'm sure there are more things I don't know about, but should have...it's only a matter of time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-5936807095347939522013-10-01T08:45:00.000-07:002013-10-01T08:45:37.089-07:00Dubai...a weekend to rememberAll I can say about this past weekend's trip to Dubai is "WOW!" <br /><br />The End.<br /><br />KIDDING! :) &nbsp;So this past weekend I jumped into a car with 4 of my friends and caravanned (is that even a word?) with another car full of friends to Dubai for the weekend to celebrate the birthdays of two of my new friends. &nbsp;To be honest, the drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is boring...it's road and sand....and some industrial things...maybe a fence or two and let's not forget the huge roadside signs of the Sheikh after which the road is named. &nbsp;But really - it's just desert...and not Arizona desert - I mean sandy desert.<br /><br />Anyway - pulling into Dubai I got a little misty-eyed. &nbsp;It is still amazing to me that I live here. &nbsp;For the majority of the week, my life is just work. &nbsp;To and from school, maybe walking to the convenience store for water or milk or whatever, but it's just work life. &nbsp;On the weekends when I get out of the city or get out in the city to explore, that's when it hits me that I'm not in America anymore - I'm living in a part of the world where traveling to amazing locations is easy and accessible. &nbsp;So, for this small town girl from Montana, pulling into Dubai, one of the most talked about and amazing cities in the world, was a bit overwhelming. <br /><br />Our first stop was our hotel...the Auris next to the Mall of the Emirates. &nbsp;We dropped off our bags and then walked over to the mall where the girls had made reservations at the "largest Cheesecake Factory restaurant in the world." &nbsp;It was a massive restaurant...situated right at the end of the indoor ski hill, Ski Dubai, which is the third largest indoor ski hill in the world. &nbsp;We sat and ate dinner and watched skiers and other snow enthusiasts slip and slide their way down the hill. &nbsp;What a fun place to eat! Check out this video for what it looks like to ski here.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DycMJc-Ow-E" target="_blank">Ski Dubai</a><br /><br />After dinner we got ready for our night out at Barsati's. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.barastibeach.com/" target="_blank">Barsati's</a>&nbsp;This is an amazing venue - right on the beach with the Dubai skyline on one side and the Persian Gulf on the other. &nbsp;A truly stunning setting and the perfect place to celebrate two 20 something's birthdays :) &nbsp;It was a night to remember!<br /><br />The next morning we got up and headed out to brunch at Double Decker - a UK style pub with an all you can eat/drink brunch for only 199 AED. &nbsp;It was so good! <br /><br />There were a few of us who were headed home that day so we made our way across to the Dubai Mall (directly adjacent to the Burj Khalifa) for a little afternoon shopping and site seeing. &nbsp;There is an aquarium in the mall, stocked with gorgeous fish. &nbsp;You can also SCUBA dive in the aquarium for a price. &nbsp;How fun is that? &nbsp;However, I'm not sure if I want to come face to face with any sharks. ;) &nbsp;I do know this - &nbsp;I am definitely looking forward to spending more time in Dubai soon!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB5NqCAmx-M/Ukrr8LoZTzI/AAAAAAAAEa8/eosK6Pf2zO4/s1600/20130926_225039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB5NqCAmx-M/Ukrr8LoZTzI/AAAAAAAAEa8/eosK6Pf2zO4/s320/20130926_225039.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pre-party pic.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jo5qBigFMJE/Ukrr6BCts2I/AAAAAAAAEao/OdsOe-Gp_Kg/s1600/20130926_232512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jo5qBigFMJE/Ukrr6BCts2I/AAAAAAAAEao/OdsOe-Gp_Kg/s320/20130926_232512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outside Barsati's with the girls. &nbsp;That's the Dubai skyline behind us.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7iCfBuXSD4/Ukrr6AXMwcI/AAAAAAAAEas/Wc3DEGit8hM/s1600/20130926_232529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7iCfBuXSD4/Ukrr6AXMwcI/AAAAAAAAEas/Wc3DEGit8hM/s320/20130926_232529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More of my beautiful new friends.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-un6evnmGYAQ/Ukrr8CesZlI/AAAAAAAAEaw/dvnpPDdyHoY/s1600/20130926_232545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-un6evnmGYAQ/Ukrr8CesZlI/AAAAAAAAEaw/dvnpPDdyHoY/s320/20130926_232545.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dubai skyline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NR2LLw0bmt4/Ukrr8pJ2OyI/AAAAAAAAEbA/ITK6yiJMq80/s1600/20130927_032708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NR2LLw0bmt4/Ukrr8pJ2OyI/AAAAAAAAEbA/ITK6yiJMq80/s320/20130927_032708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A gorgeous Bentley convertible outside our hotel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HrN4lLCha0/Ukrr88_EnTI/AAAAAAAAEbI/AvKr05EcESY/s1600/20130927_035541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HrN4lLCha0/Ukrr88_EnTI/AAAAAAAAEbI/AvKr05EcESY/s320/20130927_035541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Post-party pic - not too bad for it being 4:30am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5WqC6le9Rg/Ukrsth7TyDI/AAAAAAAAEbw/UEINqMWWJzM/s1600/20130927_124443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5WqC6le9Rg/Ukrsth7TyDI/AAAAAAAAEbw/UEINqMWWJzM/s320/20130927_124443.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our view on the way to brunch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFZPL_NA390/Ukrsnep8DlI/AAAAAAAAEbY/7QFnrD64YoQ/s1600/20130927_124532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFZPL_NA390/Ukrsnep8DlI/AAAAAAAAEbY/7QFnrD64YoQ/s320/20130927_124532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Laura and I in the cab to brunch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GtD26wTE64/Ukrso9G1FuI/AAAAAAAAEbg/--mgzUrhbO0/s1600/20130927_151034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GtD26wTE64/Ukrso9G1FuI/AAAAAAAAEbg/--mgzUrhbO0/s320/20130927_151034.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Double Decker's</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWg-xtDHs2s/Ukrsu6zq7tI/AAAAAAAAEb4/tc5RXVgpo9s/s1600/20130927_153848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWg-xtDHs2s/Ukrsu6zq7tI/AAAAAAAAEb4/tc5RXVgpo9s/s320/20130927_153848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SCUBA diving in the aquarium at the Dubai Mall</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxSUJuPxrq0/UkrssePNL3I/AAAAAAAAEbo/FEh_JkZNDsE/s1600/20130927_153943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxSUJuPxrq0/UkrssePNL3I/AAAAAAAAEbo/FEh_JkZNDsE/s320/20130927_153943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnYxTheEm18/Ukrsvcm4CJI/AAAAAAAAEb8/GE16iKTOOBg/s1600/20130927_154014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnYxTheEm18/Ukrsvcm4CJI/AAAAAAAAEb8/GE16iKTOOBg/s320/20130927_154014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUd451WTVaU/UkrsxgYQXmI/AAAAAAAAEcI/gya-6nj-S2Q/s1600/20130927_154253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUd451WTVaU/UkrsxgYQXmI/AAAAAAAAEcI/gya-6nj-S2Q/s320/20130927_154253.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ceiling in the mall. &nbsp;I want these twinkle lights in my house on my ceiling. :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr3EqQaRuUI/UkrsznwJ4pI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/YAagiwUECBI/s1600/20130927_155143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr3EqQaRuUI/UkrsznwJ4pI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/YAagiwUECBI/s320/20130927_155143.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujh34tbjPeg/Ukrsz1XOS4I/AAAAAAAAEcU/HVZ5QKwLzP4/s1600/20130927_170412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujh34tbjPeg/Ukrsz1XOS4I/AAAAAAAAEcU/HVZ5QKwLzP4/s320/20130927_170412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Dubai</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-77222110831851978912013-09-21T06:53:00.002-07:002013-09-21T06:58:08.360-07:00One month ago....today.......I woke up in my apartment in my new city and country. &nbsp;It's hard to believe it's been 4 weeks already. &nbsp;So much has happened in four weeks - the majority of course - school related. &nbsp;But today I finally got out - really got out to explore some of the parts of ABD that I really wanted to see. &nbsp;The souks on Al Meena island were wonderful and there are so many more to explore, which I'll probably do when it's not so blessed hot and humid. &nbsp;The fish market was insane...so many different types of fish and shark...real, baby shark. &nbsp;I have to say that's the only one I had a problem with. &nbsp;It's hard to describe why - but I just didn't like the idea of buying baby shark. &nbsp;I've had shark fin soup - it's delicious...I just found it hard in my gut to justify. &nbsp;The rest of the fish? &nbsp;Amazing. &nbsp;The parrot fish with it's brightly colored skin - wow! &nbsp;I want to snorkel or scuba dive to see one in the wild - I bet in the crystal clear water of the gulf they are stunning. &nbsp;The men at the fish market? &nbsp;Hilarious. &nbsp;My friend, B and I, were clearly tourists...cameras out - not buying fish, asking millions of questions. &nbsp;The fishermen/vendors were generous and kind - playing with the fish and humoring us when we asked them questions. &nbsp;One gentleman apparently took to B so much that he followed us out of the souk, got in his car and followed us in his car behind our taxi. &nbsp;With a quick loan of my wedding band for her to flash to him and point at - he got the hint and drove away. &nbsp;He wasn't scary at all - just apparently very interested in her. &nbsp;It gave us something to giggle about as we drove to the carpet souk.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JenF6qEm-J0/Uj2dY3U8ftI/AAAAAAAAEEw/1BWuMqkIQI0/s1600/20130921_093312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JenF6qEm-J0/Uj2dY3U8ftI/AAAAAAAAEEw/1BWuMqkIQI0/s320/20130921_093312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SkVQoQcUFY/Uj2dbs0zdYI/AAAAAAAAEE4/_khmDX13dCA/s1600/20130921_093709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SkVQoQcUFY/Uj2dbs0zdYI/AAAAAAAAEE4/_khmDX13dCA/s320/20130921_093709.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2j-CJZ2l8M/Uj2ddErC3mI/AAAAAAAAEFA/nP5b0Cl88F8/s1600/20130921_093730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2j-CJZ2l8M/Uj2ddErC3mI/AAAAAAAAEFA/nP5b0Cl88F8/s320/20130921_093730.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54yyubKF008/Uj2dj4VUDiI/AAAAAAAAEFI/o0-BHKq1Mr0/s1600/20130921_093742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54yyubKF008/Uj2dj4VUDiI/AAAAAAAAEFI/o0-BHKq1Mr0/s320/20130921_093742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Avr0QOdJQ/Uj2dm3LLqMI/AAAAAAAAEFY/rVvDU21_qXU/s1600/20130921_093817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Avr0QOdJQ/Uj2dm3LLqMI/AAAAAAAAEFY/rVvDU21_qXU/s320/20130921_093817.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uS9ljkxivk4/Uj2dkrE1snI/AAAAAAAAEFM/sUeU3tjDVY4/s1600/20130921_094000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uS9ljkxivk4/Uj2dkrE1snI/AAAAAAAAEFM/sUeU3tjDVY4/s320/20130921_094000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djd5fuKRSEI/Uj2dtmxtcnI/AAAAAAAAEFo/bG2eJpOylIk/s1600/20130921_094124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djd5fuKRSEI/Uj2dtmxtcnI/AAAAAAAAEFo/bG2eJpOylIk/s320/20130921_094124.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWkDKlLbBRw/Uj2dqhVn81I/AAAAAAAAEFg/pmzSwhqo_LY/s1600/20130921_094232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWkDKlLbBRw/Uj2dqhVn81I/AAAAAAAAEFg/pmzSwhqo_LY/s320/20130921_094232.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNkk6Fjgxj4/Uj2dyPo2LEI/AAAAAAAAEFw/FYdYnJ_K5rg/s1600/20130921_094542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNkk6Fjgxj4/Uj2dyPo2LEI/AAAAAAAAEFw/FYdYnJ_K5rg/s320/20130921_094542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38_6R_2sQ5Q/Uj2dy8-8zoI/AAAAAAAAEF0/a63PC-sGF6c/s1600/20130921_094551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38_6R_2sQ5Q/Uj2dy8-8zoI/AAAAAAAAEF0/a63PC-sGF6c/s320/20130921_094551.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the fish market we drove to the flower market. &nbsp;Shop after shop of amazing and beautiful flowers and plants, both indoor and outdoor. &nbsp;I'm already thinking about what I want and where to put them. &nbsp;I think I'll get an indoor palm...maybe a cactus to remind me of home...maybe an orchid too. &nbsp;We also saw an elephant - an elephant topiary that is :) &nbsp;Getting a couple of plants will definitely help make my apartment feel more homey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfiNRSkadC8/Uj2eyoYWUKI/AAAAAAAAEGE/4No06UZhe2Q/s1600/20130921_100849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfiNRSkadC8/Uj2eyoYWUKI/AAAAAAAAEGE/4No06UZhe2Q/s320/20130921_100849.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKfSvsazAWQ/Uj2ezbir1UI/AAAAAAAAEGI/WsJO8B7ldog/s1600/20130921_100958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKfSvsazAWQ/Uj2ezbir1UI/AAAAAAAAEGI/WsJO8B7ldog/s320/20130921_100958.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oz6XE1otwY/Uj2ezq-UhZI/AAAAAAAAEGM/y9mGIYI6eJs/s1600/20130921_101127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oz6XE1otwY/Uj2ezq-UhZI/AAAAAAAAEGM/y9mGIYI6eJs/s320/20130921_101127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbExmIMW-dg/Uj2e7jP4O8I/AAAAAAAAEGg/7cxvxH53RAM/s1600/20130921_101309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbExmIMW-dg/Uj2e7jP4O8I/AAAAAAAAEGg/7cxvxH53RAM/s320/20130921_101309.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sCaLiB3YFY/Uj2e7O7cwTI/AAAAAAAAEGc/Q6wPzPv-CYc/s1600/20130921_102646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sCaLiB3YFY/Uj2e7O7cwTI/AAAAAAAAEGc/Q6wPzPv-CYc/s320/20130921_102646.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the flower market we headed over to the carpet souk...which was a peddlers nightmare. &nbsp;I've not seen such aggressive sales techniques since the county fair! ;) &nbsp;There were some carpet salesmen who wanted to sell us carpets today for sure! &nbsp;And to be honest - the first place we walked in will be the one we got back to when it's time to buy runs and carpets. &nbsp;The guy was genuinely kind and willing to haggle on price. &nbsp;I've already got a couple of rugs picked out! &nbsp;Now I just need to get paid and go back. &nbsp;It was very fun and some of the fabrics were amazing. &nbsp;We went into a couple of shops which had the most amazing fabrics for pillows...but the fabric was from Syria. &nbsp;ugh. &nbsp;I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. &nbsp;But the fabric was gorgeous. &nbsp;So, if Syria could get their government figured out so I could continue my capitalist ways, that would be great ;) &nbsp;(I'm kidding - rather I'd like them to quit using chemical weapons on their people - but that's a whole other discussion.) &nbsp;We also learned how to tell the difference between a hand made rug and a machine made one. :) &nbsp;The hand made ones are obviously more expensive, but wow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFW2yGTyS2g/Uj2gcuoszjI/AAAAAAAAEG8/PUcC2XXLnDQ/s1600/20130921_105943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFW2yGTyS2g/Uj2gcuoszjI/AAAAAAAAEG8/PUcC2XXLnDQ/s320/20130921_105943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6Zb3oiMPcw/Uj2gbf6W5NI/AAAAAAAAEGw/7F490wNDXIQ/s1600/20130921_111740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6Zb3oiMPcw/Uj2gbf6W5NI/AAAAAAAAEGw/7F490wNDXIQ/s320/20130921_111740.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pk56HR5KVb8/Uj2gbrpXwhI/AAAAAAAAEG0/6ztJtIIU0gg/s1600/20130921_111745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pk56HR5KVb8/Uj2gbrpXwhI/AAAAAAAAEG0/6ztJtIIU0gg/s320/20130921_111745.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Our last stop was Saadiyat Public Beach. &nbsp;Since I've arrived I've wanted to put my feet in the Persian Gulf...not an inlet...but the actual ocean-for-miles gulf. &nbsp;So today we decided we would do that. &nbsp;We didn't originally intend on swimming...but once we got there...we couldn't help it and went in fully clothed :) &nbsp;It was breathtakingly beautiful. &nbsp;We are already planning our next day at the beach...complete with swim suits, a cooler and food :) <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAV99cviNYg/Uj2ixaYrb2I/AAAAAAAAEHk/bdo_UANMLQU/s1600/20130921_114001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAV99cviNYg/Uj2ixaYrb2I/AAAAAAAAEHk/bdo_UANMLQU/s320/20130921_114001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first step in the gulf :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej6i0AOq7Mw/Uj2irF10pNI/AAAAAAAAEHY/IBdnRRDHhUk/s1600/20130921_120742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej6i0AOq7Mw/Uj2irF10pNI/AAAAAAAAEHY/IBdnRRDHhUk/s320/20130921_120742.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">throwing up the Duck "O"&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iThVRO_70qo/Uj2iq6ec3LI/AAAAAAAAEHU/fQAX0LvmvOY/s1600/20130921_124308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iThVRO_70qo/Uj2iq6ec3LI/AAAAAAAAEHU/fQAX0LvmvOY/s320/20130921_124308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post swim</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfTkls8p3R8/Uj2iyU7gfsI/AAAAAAAAEHo/RIYwLyO6tyc/s1600/20130921_125301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfTkls8p3R8/Uj2iyU7gfsI/AAAAAAAAEHo/RIYwLyO6tyc/s320/20130921_125301.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drying off before catching the cab</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pq2lcY3XH3A/Uj2ipHzruoI/AAAAAAAAEHM/tueQQM61X94/s1600/20130921_113548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pq2lcY3XH3A/Uj2ipHzruoI/AAAAAAAAEHM/tueQQM61X94/s320/20130921_113548.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-swim...it's so beautiful<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Today I felt like I finally was no longer a slave to school. &nbsp;I still have schoolwork to do tonight to be prepared for tomorrow, but I finally got out and saw things...explored my new city and it felt so good. &nbsp;Next weekend it's a birthday weekend in Dubai for a couple of my new friends. &nbsp;I'm extremely excited for that adventure as well. &nbsp;One more new adventure in what is turning out to be a crazy, beautiful life here in the UAE. <br /><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-2436807071224786412013-09-14T06:30:00.001-07:002013-09-14T06:30:26.573-07:00Life in Abu Dhabi...Many of you have asked what life in ABD is like...well - it's much like life anywhere else one would live, I suppose. &nbsp;Yes, it's a foreign country with a different language and law structure, but "life" is generally the same. &nbsp;I am experiencing what any person who moves to a new city would experience. &nbsp;I'm learning where to go for shopping and eating and etc. &nbsp;Today, for example, I tried out a grocery store called Spinney's. &nbsp;It was wonderful! &nbsp;(I'm going to make spinach and feta stuff chicken breast for dinner tonight - YUM!) &nbsp;I'm learning my way around the city - I'm pretty adept at telling the taxi driver where to go now. &nbsp;I'm learning that near death experiences are common whilst riding in the taxi's here. &nbsp;I'm learning that I can not seem to find hairspray of any kind that's not in an aerosol can (grrr), which means oh dear husband?? Yes - you - the one who said you'd do anything for me? &nbsp;lol - You might get a care package ready that includes a couple of bottles of my favorite hairspray. &nbsp;I'm learning that the environmental, chemical laws here regarding how toxic ones cleaning supplies are - are pretttttty lax. &nbsp;The local brand bathroom cleaner (similar to scrubbing bubbles in the US) could also double for a pest infestation bomb of some sort. &nbsp;I mean - seriously....I spray in the bathroom while plugging my nose, with the bathroom fan on, close the door, put a towel down under the door to block any smell leakage and wait 15 minutes...then plug my nose, rush back in and wash it off. &nbsp;While the local brands are cheaper, I might just spend the extra 15-20 dirhams for brand name Scrubbing Bubbles so I'm not exposing myself to cancer causing chemicals. &nbsp;;)<br /><br />I can find much of the same food as in the US, but again have been told that buying locally is cheaper...and it has been. &nbsp;I've tried some amazing salads from the deli, some chicken kabobs, local breads, hummus, taboulleh, etc. &nbsp;I'm looking forward to learning more about the food here and actually taking a cooking class so I can really immerse myself in the culture. &nbsp;I found a divine spice store in the souk across the street, which I fully intend on exploring more fully once I take a cooking class. &nbsp;Can you say saffron? &nbsp;;)<br /><br />Also - everything here is essentially in English and Arabic...road signs, business signage, etc. &nbsp;Additionally, most of the music I've heard thus far has been American music. &nbsp;Nothing like sitting in a local restaurant only to hear "Spank That" come over the speakers. &nbsp;ha ha &nbsp;It's pretty surreal.<br /><br />I've been fortunate enough to meet and work with some amazing people from other countries. &nbsp;I'm the only American in my grade level. &nbsp;I work with two lovely ladies from the UK, one from South Africa, one from Eastern Canada and one from Australia. &nbsp;I'm sure by the time this year is over, I'll have quite the unique accent :) It's been learning about their cultures and the differences and similarities between our countries. &nbsp;I"m now a regular tea drinker - English style - steeped with a spot of milk. &nbsp;I add a little bit of sugar too, shhhh...don't tell my UK friends ;)<br /><br />I've threatened my girlfriends here with exposing them on my blog...but I won't this time. &nbsp;We've had several nights of fun and laughter and while they are all housed at the Wafiq tower where I was originally supposed to be, they've been gracious to include me in their crazy going out plans. &nbsp;:) It's because of this I won't expose them...yet...but suffice to say, "twerk" can dance like a madwoman. &nbsp;All kidding aside...it helps abate the homesickness to know I'm finding such quality ladies to hang out with here. <br /><br />I am slowly trying not to work myself to death...and yesterday took a walk with a friend near the Marina Mall. &nbsp;Here are a couple of pictures from that walk. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4-dMkCOx8o/UjRkrqVzaHI/AAAAAAAAD3c/MbesJbGraSQ/s1600/20130913_151742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4-dMkCOx8o/UjRkrqVzaHI/AAAAAAAAD3c/MbesJbGraSQ/s320/20130913_151742.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0tWhFFdtqA/UjRktilLQ6I/AAAAAAAAD3k/pHCggMzEYCc/s1600/20130913_151852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0tWhFFdtqA/UjRktilLQ6I/AAAAAAAAD3k/pHCggMzEYCc/s320/20130913_151852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm off to the post office now for my first PO experience. :) &nbsp;More to come later.</div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-31859634903524994262013-09-09T11:56:00.002-07:002013-09-09T11:56:57.479-07:00Abu Dhabi - an amazing experience thus far...Who would have thought when I posted my last blog post and added the picture that I would actually end up living in an apartment building RIGHT NEXT to the fountains in that picture. &nbsp;(They are currently under renovation and aren't actually functioning fountains right now, however- &nbsp;still impressive.) &nbsp;I was originally not supposed to live downtown, but upon my arrival at the airport here, I was informed I would be living in the Bin Salama Towers in downtown ABD, not out on Al Reem Island. &nbsp;I was initially disappointed, as I was looking forward to living in brand new accommodations with a pool and workout facility, however after getting to my apartment and finding out I had a 2BR instead of a 1BR, plus I have two extra bathrooms and maids quarters AND I'm right downtown with easy access to everything...I wasn't so disappointed anymore. &nbsp;Truth be told, I love my "hood". &nbsp;Location is everything and I love where I live and I love I have a 2BR...which means a spare bedroom for visitors :) &nbsp;Come on over!!<br /><br />So - where to start? &nbsp;For some of you reading this post, you don't have access to Facebook, so I'll start waaaaay back, but will keep it brief. <br /><br />A couple of years ago I explored the option of teaching overseas. &nbsp;I have several friends who took the leap after graduation and it had always intrigued me. &nbsp;When I became faced with taking a pay cut in my school district, I decided to look into it more seriously. &nbsp;I worked with a recruiting company and when a first grade position in a private school come available, I interviewed via Skype and long story short - here I am. &nbsp;I work for the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, which is a bit confusing as we have boys here in the elementary grades. &nbsp;It's a lovely school and I feel fortunate to work there. &nbsp;I've also made some amazing new friends, to which I'll address later on in another blog post. &nbsp;Suffice to say - I work with a tremendous group of ladies whom I'm enjoying getting to know better.<br /><br />So - let's back up - here is my facebook post from a couple of weeks ago...then I'll update from the end of that post. &nbsp;Hopefully, I'll get through the tedium and business of getting the school started and be able to blog more regularly - that's my goal!!<br /><br />To recap....from 8/29<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">One week ago today I hopped on a plane bound for a destination 8000 miles (or light years – depending on one’s perspective) away. In that last week I’ve moved and gotten nearly settled into my apartment, started new teacher training/orientation (my professional growth this year ought to be outstanding), overcome 11 hour jet lag, completed government run medical evaluations and documentation (pict</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">ures, fingerprints, blood draw, x-ray, etc) for my Emirates ID, learned how to exchange dollars for dirhams, learned how to convert dollars to dirhams (and vice versa), learned a bit of my neighborhood and discovered quaint little places to shop as well as vital places to shop (such as the grocery store and where to refill my phone cards), closed my eyes and prayed I wouldn’t die as mad cap taxi drivers speed through the city, got unpacked and nearly settled, got internet hooked up, eaten some amazing food, figured out how to use my cell phone here, learned the local way of using the restroom (seriously), learned a few short phrases in Arabic and all the while making some new and really fantastic friends from all over the world. I can only imagine what the next days, weeks and months will bring. I think this does definitely qualify as an adventure and I'm loving it so far&nbsp;<i class="_4-k1 img sp_g9a1u4 sx_ecd5a7" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yu/r/ARuuQNOJWj-.png); background-position: 0px -2166px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></span><br /><br />I'll get the whole "restroom" thing out of the way first...every bathroom has a bidet or a modified version of one that has a hose sprayer, similar to one you find in your kitchen. &nbsp;TP is used <i>after</i>&nbsp;you "wash" off with the sprayer and only used to dry oneself, then thrown in a wastebasket next to the toilet; it's not flushed. &nbsp;Surprised? &nbsp;Confused? &nbsp;Weirded out? &nbsp;Yea - so was I! &nbsp;To be honest, it takes some getting used to, but I think one would rather be confused and bit uncomfortable than to have your toilet back up on you! &nbsp;ugh. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;Now THAT would be uncomfortable.<br /><br />I'll address the immigration situation next and I'm just going to come out and say this...unless you've been an immigrant, you don't really have the information you need to make any sort of judgement call on immigration. &nbsp;I was blessed, (yes, blessed) to live in Arizona - a hotbed for immigration in the US. &nbsp;Having grown up in Montana where there was basically no diversity, becoming more aware during my life in the Pac NW and then actually experiencing first hand the tragic loss of life associated with it in Arizona (remember my student who's dad was eaten by coyotes as he tried to cross the border back into the US from Mexico?), I still wasn't prepared for what it feels like to be an immigrant. &nbsp;Everything you do here is reliant upon your passport and visa. &nbsp;Lose or misplace these and it's a nightmare. &nbsp;At the airport I had to have my eyes scanned...yes, I had to look into this machine and they scanned my eyes. &nbsp;The UAE now has a scan of my eyes...that's a bit intimidating. &nbsp;Fast forward to medical testing and fingerprinting day. &nbsp;I am thankful we had a "handler" that walked us through the process. &nbsp;He took our passports and visas and walked us step-by-step through everything. &nbsp;Even with his help, it was intimidating and nerve-wracking. &nbsp;Stand in the line here, wait for your number to be called. &nbsp;Sit here, stare into the camera (can I smile in this picture? &nbsp;Oh - it doesn't matter? ok.) &nbsp;Get up, hand your paperwork to the woman at the next station, get your name called, talk to the doctor. &nbsp;Oh? No issues? &nbsp;Ok, take your paperwork to the woman at the next station. &nbsp;Wait for your number to be called. &nbsp;Come in, sit down, let me take your blood. &nbsp;Take your paper to the woman at the next station, wait for your number. &nbsp;Go into that room, disrobe your top for your chest x-ray (turns out we only needed to take off our bra or anything that had metal in it - I somehow wasn't told that part and followed the directions that were given to me...so yes, I was the ONLY girl in my group to come out of the disrobing room actually disrobed and in the super duper attractive paper wrap shawl thingy - hahaha). &nbsp;Put your clothes back on, go back to waiting room. &nbsp;Then off to fingerprinting where they took every conceivable print off my hand that they could. &nbsp;Oh - and yes, you CAN smile in your Emirates ID picture...but without showing your teeth...which means I look like the cat that ate the canary or a creepy peeping tom. &nbsp;Ugh...wish I could do THAT picture over again...but no such luck. ;)<br /><br />Anyway - I have had these moments that sneak up on me...moments where I am suddenly reminded that <b>I am</b>&nbsp;the immigrant, not the other way around. &nbsp;Like getting in the taxi and not being able to understand what the taxi driver is saying and having that split second thought (you know the one I'm talking about...you've allllllll thought the same thing), "Gosh - why can't they speak English?" &nbsp;And then realizing, the taxi driver is probably thinking, "WHY CAN'T SHE SPEAK ARABIC??" &nbsp;Seriously, right? &nbsp;How many times have YOU (and be honest) complained about people who have come to America as an immigrants or (gasp) "illegal immigrants" and they don't know the language...and then you're frustrated, right? &nbsp;Thinking, "If they're going to come to this country, the least they could do is learn the language." &nbsp;Wellllllll, let me tell you - it's not that easy. &nbsp;I chose to come to the UAE and don't know a lick of Arabic. &nbsp;Does that make me rude? &nbsp;I don't think so...it's a hard language to learn...much like English is for those who go to America. &nbsp;I will say this...I am learning tho...and I'm making it a <b>point</b>&nbsp;to learn. &nbsp;It's coming slowing, but at least I'm trying.<br /><br />Back to the moments that sneak up on me...today I had another moment...as I stood with my first graders in our daily assembly...facing the flag and the music starts to play. &nbsp;My mind was prepared for The Star Spangled Banner, even tho I knew it wasn't going to play - part of me still expected it. &nbsp;Yet, here I stood with my class (along with the 5 other grade one classes), facing the flag of my adopted country, listening to a song to which I knew none of the words, but standing respectfully with my hands at my sides, wondering, pondering really, how many of my students in Arizona had done the exact.same.thing. &nbsp;Facing the flag of their new country, listening to a song to which they knew none of the words, yet stood respectfully. &nbsp;In no small way I felt like I was "cheating" on the US and I struggled with that for a bit, so I can only imagine what my former firsties in AZ felt like. &nbsp;I have a whole new, deeper appreciation for immigration now, because I'm living it. &nbsp;And to be honest, I'm living the EASY life of it comparatively. &nbsp;My school provides a 'handler' to help us through the process. &nbsp;Those teachers coming here through the public sector have no such 'handler'. &nbsp;Imagine what they must be going through. &nbsp;I've had enough anxiety over things, having to sort through immigration without a helping hand would be immensely intimidating and all the more nerve-wracking.<br /><br />The beauty of it all is that I'm in a new country - experiencing truly astounding opportunities with many more to come. &nbsp;(I can't wait to start traveling around the UAE and beyond). &nbsp;The beaches here are gorgeous...the people are friendly and helpful and I'm having a truly wonderful time. &nbsp;Once school calms down, I'll feel like I have more free time to explore the city and outlying areas. &nbsp;I wish I would have taken the leap to international education much earlier...I am learning SO much!<br /><br />In the next few days I'll post about my classroom and add pictures to this blog so you're not bored! &nbsp;:) <br /><br />Thanks for reading and sorry for the delay in finally getting something posted!<br /><br />Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-17336461190110948152013-06-02T16:49:00.003-07:002013-06-02T16:49:57.758-07:00Abu Dhabi...New Adventures in Teaching...Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it is located about 90 minutes southwest of the UAE's largest city, Dubai.&nbsp; With a population of approximately 613,000 it is 2nd in population to Dubai...and come this August, its population will grow to approximately 613,001 as I join the ranks of teachers from all over the world who are moving to the UAE to teach.&nbsp;&nbsp; Stay tuned for more updates as my time here in the US winds down and my departure to AD gets closer.&nbsp; I will update this blog frequently with stories from my new class of first graders and with fun (hopefully) adventures of living overseas!&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjUF_UK5q4g/UavZqMdK7dI/AAAAAAAAATI/tMQ-tCvnZEA/s1600/package_phot_image_en_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjUF_UK5q4g/UavZqMdK7dI/AAAAAAAAATI/tMQ-tCvnZEA/s320/package_phot_image_en_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(photo courtesy of http://eatours.ae/)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-52024901954562184562012-05-14T18:44:00.000-07:002012-05-14T19:06:25.521-07:00Teacher Appreciation Week and Mother's Day Bacon...Oh how I love my job! &nbsp;No, seriously...I truly, without a doubt, LOVE.MY.JOB!!! &nbsp;Where else do you get surrounded by hugs...a plethora of hugs...good morning hugs, "anytime" hugs, I'm scared hugs, I'm happy hugs, all sorts of hugs. &nbsp;I love it! &nbsp;My students are particularly wonderful. &nbsp;They are cuddle bunnies and quite frankly, I adore it. &nbsp;Every day is started off with a Good Morning hug from "A". &nbsp;He says, "Ms. Eklund, I have to start my day this way...a hug for my mom at home and a hug for you at school. &nbsp;I love you both SO much." &nbsp;Awwwwe....you don't get THAT sitting in a cubicle. ;)<br /><br />Teacher Appreciation Week was filled with amazing things from our PTO - we were truly spoiled at my site. &nbsp;Food every day, notes in our mailboxes, notes home reminding our students to love on us too; it was quite something. &nbsp;I was reminded how very fortunate I am to work at a school with such an amazing parent population. &nbsp;Additionally - my students were wonderful. &nbsp;I got roses from a couple of students, a solar powered gerber daisy from another. &nbsp;I even got flowers from the parents of a former student and just today I received a lollipop wrapped in plain white paper! &nbsp;Seriously...so darn adorable and I am humbled by their love and appreciation. &nbsp;In addition to all these wonderful things...I got bacon. &nbsp;Yes...bacon. &nbsp;"J" approached me today at the door with a piece of "crunchy bacon" wrapped in a paper towel. &nbsp;Her eyes wide with excitement as she informed me that she had saved me a piece of bacon from Mother's Day brunch yesterday, because she just "knew" that I LOOOOOOVED bacon. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;"Plus, it's extra crunchy, don't you just LOVE extra crunchy bacon? &nbsp;I know that I do and that you would too. &nbsp;I asked Mom if I could take a piece and give it to you today so that we could share it at lunch." &nbsp;How could I possibly say no?? &nbsp;(as a disclaimer, I did NOT eat the bacon at lunch...it is still sitting here in a little baggie on my desk)<br /><br />This is the time of year, probably more so than any other time, that I am truly humbled by my job. &nbsp;My kiddos have worked really hard all year long...really hard. &nbsp;They've learned so much, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. &nbsp;They are so different from when they first walked in the door. &nbsp;They have grown physically as well...their toothless grins just one representative of those changes. &nbsp;Their parents and guardians have entrusted me with their development...and I reflect each year on how well I did as their teacher. &nbsp;Did I do enough? &nbsp;Did I teach them everything I could, regardless of state or national standard? &nbsp;Did I do everything I could to give them every available learning opportunity? &nbsp;Are they leaving my classroom better "people" than when they entered? &nbsp;My goal each year is to answer "yes" to all of those questions; to ensure that I went above and beyond as much as I could to guarantee they received the best education possible. &nbsp;Oh how I deeply love my job and my firsties...I am going to miss their little faces next year.<br /><br />I guess what I'm feeling can be summed up by what "J" said to me this morning, "Ms. Eklund, I know you're not a mommy, but you are kind of our mommy, right? &nbsp;You love us just like our mommies do."<br /><br />Yep, honey - you're right. :) &nbsp;You are all my little wee ones and I certainly do love you...more than you know. <br /><br />BEST.JOB.EVER!!Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-47675802384505071982012-05-06T10:25:00.004-07:002012-05-06T10:25:32.631-07:00Hecticity....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know it's not a real word, but I think it should be one. &nbsp;I think it pretty accurately reflects my life right now. &nbsp;When you start teaching, no one really tells you what all the teaching profession entails. &nbsp;You think, naively, that you will get your degree, interview for a job, get the job and then one day get your first classroom. &nbsp;You will stand in front of that class and teach from these amazingly interactive and fun lesson plans you've prepared. &nbsp;Your students will hopefully "get" it...they will learn and grow and you will send them on their merry way to the next grade level. &nbsp;What no one tells you, is that along with teaching you will develop a desire to ensure that each student has the most amazing school experience they can have...which means you will spend long hours organizing family movie nights, creating the yearbook, being a Bingo caller, organizing the talent show and so much more. &nbsp;All of this to ensure your school and these students you love and care for are given the <b><i><u>best</u></i></b> possible school experience. &nbsp;What no one ever tells you, is that for the last few weeks of 4th quarter you will be so busy during the school week that you can't even see straight! &nbsp;So - hecticity is my new word and it means, "the state, quality or an instance of being hectic."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It also means I have been too busy to keep up on this blog...so expect postings to increase as I get you caught up on the first grade follies of the past couple of months. &nbsp;From my daily morning hugs and I love you's from one particular student, to the deep seated anger of another. &nbsp;It has been a busy couple of months in my classroom both academically and emotionally. &nbsp;The tender hearts of my firsties have been in full view. &nbsp;</span>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-11020238339675263522012-05-06T10:25:00.003-07:002012-05-06T10:25:21.301-07:00Firefighters and chickens....from the week of March 2nd<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today was, in a word, HILARIOUS! &nbsp;First off, let me say that I love Read Across America Week - it's done in conjunction with Dr. Seuss' birthday and it is truly one of my favorite times of the year as a teacher. &nbsp;Students love to read and they get absolutely immersed in reading. &nbsp;As a first grade teacher, I get to watch their love of reading blossom and grow as by this time every year, first graders are beginning to read more fluently and voraciously. &nbsp;Picking up a Dr. Seuss book is pure heaven to them, due to his wildly vivid imagination and use of rhyming techniques. &nbsp;Anyway - each year we end up having the firefighters from the local station, Fire Engine 12, come to be "celebrity" readers. &nbsp;It's always so much fun and this year was no different. &nbsp;Today Captain Phillips came - imagine a 5'9-10", stocky, muscle-bound, slightly grey-haired man walking through the door. &nbsp;The kids turn around and see him in his uniform, carrying his radio and they're thrilled. &nbsp;Let the squealing begin!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I introduce him and he begins to talk about what he does for a living - that firefighters do more than just put out fires, they are paramedics (big first grade word there - had to describe that one) too and etc. &nbsp;He ended up reading a book he admitted he'd never read before, Dr. Seuss' "And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street". &nbsp;The kids were transfixed and although Captain Phillips didn't realize he was doing it, he was using his "tracking finger" to keep track of his place in the book as he read. &nbsp;If you're a primary grade teacher - you know exactly what I'm talking about...using your index finger to follow along under the words as you read them. &nbsp;Anyway - he read the book - did a fabulous job - and did his obligatory "stay in school, work hard, learn to read, listen to your teacher and your parents" talk and then the "fun" happened. &nbsp;The students started to ask him about his job. &nbsp;One of the first questions was, "Sir, do you have any emergencies to solve??" &nbsp;His response? &nbsp;A quizzical look to me and a quick, "Police solve crimes, we help people get out of their houses when it's on fire, or when someone needs medical help." &nbsp;Then he asked students about their plan to escape their house in the event of a fire, one girl replies, "Yea - GET OUT!!" &nbsp;To which my student teacher and I looked quickly away from each other so we wouldn't burst into fits of laughter. &nbsp;Each comment was perfectly timed and the adult reaction to their sweet, innocent comments was priceless. &nbsp;It was truly a wonderful, wonderful day in first grade. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the firefighter's visit...we went to take a look at their fire truck. &nbsp;It was a true treat when they opened up the doors and let us peer into their equipment and ask more and more questions. &nbsp;Another huge hit? &nbsp;When they got out the heat seeking scope and let my students look through it at each other. &nbsp;"Ms. Eklund - you're GLOWING!" &nbsp;It was awesome and my firsties were truly captivated. &nbsp;I knew I had a class of budding firefighters after this visit. &nbsp;A huge thanks to Fire Engine 12 for coming and thrilling my students.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now - you're probably wondering about the "chickens"...and if you're a friend of mine on Facebook, then you'll have already read this story...but let me tell you...it's a gem. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From March 1st...Keep in mind while reading this the idea is not to totally traumatize the kidod as he makes the connection about where our food comes from. ;) &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">The school served baked chicken today for lunch which spurred the following conversation. "So, Ms. Eklund...you mean that chickens come from, well...chickens?? Like real chickens?" (Yes, "A", chickens come from real chickens.) "No, I mean really - Ms. Eklund, they come from actual live chickens?" (Yes, honey, actual live chickens.) "They kill them first, right?" (Yes, they kill them first.)&nbsp;<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">"How do they kill them? (Honey, it depends.) "Does it hurt them?" (No, I don't think so, but maybe.) "Do they step on their necks? Is that what they do?" [he makes a squishing sound as he grinds his foot into the ground] " Oh yea - they wouldn't step on their necks - that would get the chickens all dirty." lol You HAVE to love my firsties!! &nbsp;The thought process that went into this line of questioning was amazing. &nbsp;I don't think he'll be eating chicken any time soon. &nbsp;</span></span></span>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-26749327507321104042012-02-23T16:33:00.002-08:002012-02-23T19:40:55.435-08:00Love, Beauty and Teaching...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This week has been full of "love and beauty" comments. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Ms. Eklund - you're beautiful and I love you to bits."&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Ms. Eklund - I hope I am as pretty as you some day."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Ms. Eklund - I sure love you. &nbsp;You give the BEST hugs ever."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Ms. Eklund - some day I want to teach us like you do."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Ms. Eklund - I'm never leaving you...ever. &nbsp;I love you too much to go to 2nd grade."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Ms. Eklund - you are as pretty as a picture."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">So, so sweet, truly. &nbsp;My class has turned in to such a loving and caring class. &nbsp;They constantly compliment each other - clapping for each other when they get an answer correct or get their cards flipped UP to Blue (for going above and beyond normal behavior expectations), AND they compliment others, such as the preschool students walking quietly in line. &nbsp;It is the cutest, sweetest thing to see. &nbsp;I would like to take credit for their tender hearts - and I perhaps can take a <i><u>little</u></i> bit of credit as I try to instill in them a supportive attitude. &nbsp;However - I never taught them to clap or give pats on the back or any of that...THOSE things they've done themselves and it is wonderful to see. &nbsp;To say they make me proud is an understatement. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Each week I tutor three days after school for other schools in my district. &nbsp;I work with 2 - 5th grade students and today I received the sweetest letter from a 5th grade ESL (English as a Second Language) student I am tutoring in math. Here is what she said:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Dear Ms. Eklund,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I improve in math, because of you teaching me how to do math. &nbsp;Math is getting easier thanks to you. &nbsp;I'm done taking a math BenchMark test and I'm sure I am going to pass this test. &nbsp;I thank you for helping me in Math."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Love,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">N...."</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">How wonderful is that? &nbsp;Talk about making my heart fill with joy and making my day. &nbsp;I think any teacher can attest to the fact that we <b><u>live</u></b> for days like this - when we get to see the fruits of our labor...when we see our students finally grasp a concept. &nbsp;So, so wonderful!</span>Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-33331097513941756232012-02-19T11:12:00.000-08:002012-02-19T11:12:48.849-08:00Death and teaching...I returned yesterday from attending the funeral for the son of a former co-worker and found myself really struggling with my feelings. &nbsp;I didn't know her son personally and only worked with her for one year, but wanted to be there to support her and her family and the plethora of teachers from my school who attended the funeral as well.<br /><br />I sat there in the pew at the church as this everyone grieved and all I could think about was how I would feel if the young man we were honoring was one of my former students. &nbsp;His mother spoke of the impact his teachers made in his life and I looked down the pew at the ladies sitting next to me and it was a virtual living history of his school life, from his kindergarten teacher to his 8th grade teacher. &nbsp;All there remembering him. &nbsp;His mother remarked how, as a teacher herself, she feels that her students are her children - how they become one's children over the course of the school year and how very attached she becomes to them. &nbsp;I sat there, humbled and moved to be a part of a profession where parents trust us with their children, trust us to teach them, but to love and care for them as well. &nbsp;My students definitely become my "kids" over the course of the school year and I couldn't stand the thought of losing one of them.<br /><br />I don't think this is something one ever considers when they think about becoming a teacher. &nbsp;In the five years I've been teaching, I've seen so much more than I ever even considered or expected, both good and bad. &nbsp;Students who suffer child abuse, parents dying or being put in prison, getting deported, moving away, drugs, alcohol, etc. &nbsp;The flip side is watching those same students somehow manage to put all of that behind them and excel academically and socially - learning to rise above all their challenges or meet those challenges head on and succeed. &nbsp;I know that some day I'll see my students graduate from 8th grade and high school and college, then hopefully move on and get married. &nbsp;I guess, if I think about it, while I don't want to ever seen one pass away, I hope that I can be there to support their families when it happens. &nbsp;What a humbling thought!Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8389113966514756954.post-26114132915467384382012-02-17T23:13:00.000-08:002012-02-17T23:13:34.585-08:00Hilarity and bliss rule first grade...This week has been one of fun, love and hard work. &nbsp;I am so proud of my students, in fact I am BEYOND proud of them. &nbsp;On Tuesday (Valentine's Day of all days) I had my formal evaluation and observation, something I think that every teacher stresses about, and my students were brilliant - full on sparkling and BRILLIANT in their behavior and academic achievement. &nbsp;I spent, no exaggeration, about 20 hours writing my lesson plans and creating materials for this observation. &nbsp;My lessons were on reading comprehension questioning strategies; thick vs. thin questions. &nbsp;While not initially seeming so, it was a challenging and ambitious lesson. &nbsp;I ended up having to modify and adjust throughout teaching the lessons leading up to my formal observation day. &nbsp;All of the adjustments and stress were worth it as my kids did wonderfully. &nbsp;It was so fun to see my students raising their hands - stretching their arms as high as they could in the air so their hand was higher than their partner just so they would be called on. &nbsp;Awww. &nbsp;So eager to please and do well. &nbsp;I love them! &nbsp;I had my post-observation evaluation today and it went extremely well. &nbsp;All the hard work paid off...my students learned a TON, were challenged and engaged, and I passed my eval. &nbsp;Sweet, sweet victory :)<br /><br />This week was also Valentine's week - which meant love and adoration by 22 first graders. &nbsp;So so fun! &nbsp;The kiddos were so sweet and generous...I even received Valentine's from past students - which truly touched my heart. &nbsp;One student from last year, who brought me a box of chocolates, said, "Ms. Eklund, you'll ALWAYS be my Valentine." &nbsp;Awwww!! &nbsp;So happy my past students still think of me fondly.<br /><br />Here are some of the funny things said in my classroom this week:<br />This one was said during the middle of my formal evaluation, just as I finished complimenting the class on how "smart" they were. &nbsp;"Ms. Eklund, we are so smart because you love us and you want us to be smart and you teach us to be smart. &nbsp;We are all your babies - at least that's what you tell us!" &nbsp;(awwwwe)<br /><br /><ul><li>"Ms. Eklund - did you know I have two mommies?" &nbsp;(You do?) &nbsp;"Yes, my mommy and YOU - you're kind of like my mommy - you love me too! &nbsp;Oh wait...I have THREE mommies...you, my mommy and Ms. D (my student teacher) is my step-mommy!" &nbsp;(this quickly turned into "I have three daddy's...Mr. Eklund, Ms. D's husband and MY daddy.")</li><li>"Ms. Eklund - this rose is pretty, but you are waaaaay prettier."</li><li>"Ms. Eklund - you and Ms. D are gorgeous...are you sisters?"</li></ul><br />They are learning about the solar system in science...<br /><br /><ul><li>"Is Jupiter Saturn's brother?"</li><li>"Saturn has a ring around it that looks like you could put it on your finger."</li><li>"I think the best planet to visit is Venus, because you can see things and you can see hot stuff, but you could even see the mountains. &nbsp;I even could take pictures, even you can watch what happens."</li></ul><br />Things I never thought I would have to say as a teacher...#4893, 4, 5, 6, and 7<br /><br /><ul><li>"Friends, we do NOT lick someone's hair!" &nbsp;(imagine a boy standing in line behind a girl with shoulder length hair flipped up at the ends...he's leaning forward sticking out his tongue and grabbing the ends of her hair and sucking them in his mouth. &nbsp;Nope - not kidding on this one...)</li><li>"Sweetpea, please quit licking your fingers, touching your shoes, and licking your fingers again."</li><li>"Friend...that's NOT a stick...put it down and go wash your hands for 30 seconds with lots of soap." &nbsp;</li><li>"We do NOT lick our desks...ever!"</li><li>"Friends, we do not put markers up our noses NO MATTER how good they smell!"</li></ul><br />In addition to this wonderful week - my student teacher had what I consider to be her best week yet. &nbsp;She had her best day ever...truth be told. &nbsp;She was simply amazing to watch teach. &nbsp;She was caring and kind, direct and honest, informative and fun. &nbsp;She redirected students with ease and grace and compassion - allowing them to solve their own problems, giving them simple directions to do so and praised them for working it out in the end. &nbsp;Oh so perfect and wonderful to watch!! &nbsp;I LOVE being a mentor teacher.<br /><br />To end this blissfully busy and perfect week, a former student brought me a green and yellow paper bracelet that she made for me. &nbsp;It was one long, wide piece of paper - half colored green, half yellow and then taped together. &nbsp;She presented it as an "Oregon bracelet, just for you!" along with a picture she drew of flowers and a heart that said "love you" in the middle. &nbsp; Seriously - so darn sweet. &nbsp;I wouldn't trade this job for anything. :)Mrs. Eklund ;-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13585057339603853829noreply@blogger.com0